Check out Our New Blogs!

Hey, readers! Thanks so much for stopping by the New Moon News blog. We're no longer using this blog, but we hope you'll check out our many other blogs, including:

- our blog for and by girls 8-12
- our blog about orb28, the online experience for teen girls
- our blog for girls and adults about New Moon in print and online
- our blog for parents and adults who care about girls

You can also check out our MySpace Page and the New Moon Girl Media page on facebook. Hope to see you again soon!

Sing a Joyful Song

Hey Readers,

This is Bissy, reporting in to share a fantastic interview with you. I hope you enjoy it!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a singer-songwriter? Well, wonder no more! We had the privilege of finding out from the creative, savvy, down-to-earth Christine Kane, a (you guessed it) singer-songwriter. She's got a Telly Award to her credit for a DVD of one of her performances, Borders Books and Music chose her CD Rain & Mud & Wild & Green as a Best of 2003, and she's performed all over the country. But she's got a lot more going on, too, like a successful blog and workshops and women's retreats that she leads. And--get this--multiple dance theaters, one among them the North Carolina Dance Theatre, have choreographed ballets to her music. Two of her major messages are to listen to your heart and to be open to the possibilities that abound when you embrace the uncommon road. Read on for more on this and other aspects of her life!

New Moon: How did you come to song writing?
Christine Kane: I always loved writing. But I never believed in myself enough to think it was possible to do it for a living. I kept a journal religiously my whole life. I was passionate about writing. Finally, I started meeting people who showed me that writers have to give themselves permission to be writers. That NONE of them know if they're any good, but that you have to just jump in and try. So, I finally admitted to myself that I loved songs and songwriting - and I started doing it. And trying it. And writing bad songs. And getting better. This is all that anyone can do when they want to write!

What's a typical day in your life like? Is there a typical day?
There are no typical days. Sometimes I wish there were. When I'm on the road, I am always in motion and doing radio interviews or finding my way to new cities and towns. When I'm at home, I try to have lots of quiet time, lots of writing time. Typically though, I have to keep up with the business side of my art - and that requires lots of extra work. The hardest thing about not having "typical days" is that writers really thrive on some kind of routine. When I'm in a writing period - I tend to have day after day of quiet time where I sit with my guitar and play a lot. I allow whatever comes to come. Then I might get up and do the dishes or walk my dog. Then I return to the guitar and begin again. It's a lovely peaceful process most of the time!

You encourage openness about career paths, letting in the unexpected. For example, in 2006 and 2007, you toured with the North Carolina Dance Theatre, playing your tunes for the ballet they had choreographed around them. What was that experience like?
The very BEST thing about being an independent artist or writer or songwriter these days is that there are so many opportunities. You don't have to limit yourself to just playing in bars and such -- though at the beginning levels, you may have to do lots of that!

The ballet experience was amazing. It made me realize how much I miss collaborating with other people (when I tour by myself, I'm always on my own) - and how much life we humans can bring to each other's work. It was fun to be the "background" person too. I liked not being the "star" of the show. There's lots of pressure when you're the headliner. It was fun to be the back-up. And it's an enormous honor to have had my music become a dance. When I watched them rehearse the dance to my CD's - I cried. (I couldn't watch them during the performance. It made me too nervous!)

Your music's lyrics have become increasingly full of hope and the message to look toward the positive. Was there a prompt in your life that brought this change?

I think that when you grow up a little bit, and you step out of your own drama, then your writing changes. That's kind of what happened. And I started reaching for more spirit in my own life, more joy and more compassion. As I did that, my perspective as an artist changed. I was worried at first because I don't like to be "preachy" - but the theme of living with more awareness just started seeping in. I didn't plan it at all!

Do you have a favorite way of nurturing your creativity?
Just being alive and present to each moment. And observing everything - both inside and outside of me. And lots of quiet time.

Have you learned anything unexpected about the music industry?
So much. I don't think I could begin to write it all down here.

I've learned that you can't take anything personally. I've learned that everyone - even the most important people - is working hard, and that no one - even the most important people - has the answers.

I've learned that getting rescued is not a great business model - and that no one really "gets discovered." I've learned that everything is changing so fast, that I'm actually more successful than 90% of the people who are on record labels. I've learned all about the publishing end of music. I've learned that the people in the industry are not the enemy. I've learned to keep my mouth shut and listen to people, rather than think my projections are the truth. I've learned most importantly to question every assumption out there about the music business.

Do you have any advice for girls?
You have to take action, even if you don't believe in yourself. I never ever in my wildest dreams would've believed I'd become a working successful songwriter and musician. And what I've learned is that you start to build self-esteem when you take action steps towards your dreams. You get self-esteem when you keep going. You have to encourage yourself and find other people who encourage you. Life is WAY too short to be surrounded by cynicism and discouraging people. Do not settle for a life that doesn't feel alive! And don't let bad days scare you away from that. Everyone has bad days and everyone messes up!

Do you have anything to add?
You can refer readers to my blog for lots of further writing on these kinds of topics!

Thanks, Christine! What an inspiring interview.

Hope your days are filled with sunshine from the inside out and the outside in, Elizabeth (Bissy!)

From former blog-coordinator, Bissy

Dear Readers,
Let me finally express how much I've missed you. This is Elizabeth (Bissy), your former blog coordinator, by the way. I encountered some unexpected life changes that made it impossible for me to fill you in sooner. I really valued my time writing on here, and I really valued your feedback. What a wonderful experience it was. I hope that you'll stay tuned with all of New Moon's exciting changes! May your days be filled with light and sunshine and happiness!
Sending cheer,
Elizabeth (Bissy!)

P.S. Remember to continue checking out our new blogs!

New blogs, coming soon!

Hi, readers! Sorry that things have been so very quiet at this blog. We haven't forgotten you! We have been SUPER busy at New Moon as we prepare to launch lots of new offerings for the new year. I'd like to redirect readers of this blog to New Moon's NEW blogs on our new website at http://www.newmoongirlmedia.com/.

Now instead of one blog, we have several, including our parents' blog, an upcoming girl blog, and an orb28 blog.

Please check all our new blogs frequently to keep posted on what's happening at New Moon. And don't forget to sign up for our enewsletters to get the latest delivered right to your inbox!

Check it out--We've got a new look!

Hi girls! Thanks for being patient with us--it *has* been a while since we've posted a new blog entry. We've been working hard here at New Moon to get our new websites(!) up and running! That's right--New Moon's got a new look and a few new spots on the web for you to explore.

Check out our company website at www.newmoongirlmedia.com. From there, you can head over to the magazine website at www.newmoonmagazine.org. I encourage you to click on links and poke around! You can take a peek at the LunaVida Club website and also learn more about orb28, our online community for girls ages 13-15+.

Let us know what you think! Soon, we'll be moving the blog to the magazine website where it will be easier for YOU--yes, you!--to post entries and share your thoughts and opinions with the rest of the New Moon community. For now, leave a comment and give us your feedback!


Here's hoping everyone is enjoying the holidays--and see you in 2008!
Signing off,
Heather

Casting Call!

Are you a girl inventor or entrepreneur?

By Kids for Kids (BKFK) is looking for kids aged 8-16 with a great idea or business that has already achieved some success to appear in the new television series, THINK BIG!   By Kids for Kids is a company with the mission to inspire, motivate, and stimulate the innovative spirit within all young people.  The television show will provide a platform for kid inventors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, letting the world know that kids have great ideas too.  Kids can plan, design and manufacture great ideas into products and services everyone can use.  Want to submit your idea? Visit their website at www.bkfk.com/thinkbig.

 

In fact, you may want to swing by their main website, powered by the new Idea Locker, too.  The company has four other contests running right now, one for designers, one for artists/writers, one for those interested in the environment, and one for sports enthusiasts.

What a fun way to explore your interests and find support for them!

Go, girls!

Sending you creative passion, Elizabeth (Bissy!)

Celebrate!

When was the last time you took a look in the mirror and celebrated you?  Or took a look inside and celebrated you?  I hope that it was today!

It's the season of celebration, which includes Hanukkah's celebration of light at the moment.  So it got me thinking.  Ritual has such a history of importance in many cultures throughout the world, and I know that somewhere deep inside you, you probably have a ritual just waiting for you to touch it and say, "Hey come out and play, let's celebrate something about myself!"  And you know what the most surprising thing might be?  That way to feel good about yourself might start with realizing the good you do others.  You know how when you light a candle, that candle can keep lighting others?  Just like a menorah.  So when you light yourself up inside, you have the potential to light up others, and you still shine as brightly!

Your ritual could be anything.  Something silly, like dancing into the bathroom in the morning!  Something serious, like painting the way your heart looks when you take a deep breath every day.  (I know, where did that come from--but wouldn't it be cool to try it?!)  Something original, like taking a pad of paper outside every day and doing equations that you make up because you just love math!

Want to light someone up with a gift this season?  It's kind of cool to remember what a gift you give to others by honoring yourself.  So when you're lighting up your own candle and then deciding how you'd like to spread that light, you may want to check out www.SafeGreenToys.org, sponsored by Co-Op America, an organization whose mission is "to harness economic power-the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace-and to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society."  

Hmm, the gift ideas are starting to come to me...  This just might call for a post about creative gift ideas... What do you think?  Send one, send all, your most creative, thoughtful gift, ritual, everything celebration-ideas!

Here's to spreading that celebration feeling, Elizabeth (Bissy!)

Typing Like They Mean It

I just came across quite a cool network of women online. It's a blog run by Catherine Morgan called The Political Voices of Women: Opinion and Commentary of Over 200 Women Political Bloggers.

The site lists other cool blogs like:

Antigone Magazine: A Blog About Women, Politics, Women in Politics, and the Politics of Being a Woman

Mom’s Speak Up

MomsRising

On the site it shares this from the New York Times article Women, Politics, and the Internet by Katharine Q. Seelye: "We know that women slightly outnumber men online. But at least anecdotally, it seems as if more men are on the political blogs, writing specifically about politics, reading about politics and putting in their two cents in the comments sections."
This quote struck me in particular, because I find it an interesting parallel--or contrast--with the New Moon blog. Recently, many daughters have been chiming in to appreciate their moms, and moms have been adding their two cents, too. That's also why I highlighted the mothers' blogs. It's always wonderful to see the power of women's voices anywhere.

One thing's for certain: girls are growing to be the strong leaders their mothers have led them to be--just look at the recent "Letter to Congress" issue of New Moon!

I hope that the voices of women sharing political passion adds support to your own passion! You're part of quite a community.

Your blogger, Elizabeth!

Girls Making Science History

“Why do people think girls can’t do science? Where did this crazy idea ever come from?” --Dr. Nancy Hopkins, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On Monday, the winners of the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology were announced at New York University.

Janelle Schlossberger and Amanda Marinoff, two 17 year-old seniors at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High Schoolwon a $100,000 college scholarship prize for taking first place in the team category. The girls created a molecule that helps block the reproduction of drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria.

Isha Himani Jain, a 16 year-old senior at Freedom High School won first place (and a $100,000 college scholarship) in the individual category. She studied and reported on the bone growth in zebra fish, whose tail fins grow in spurts, similar to the way children’s bones do.

The girls beat over 1,600 students nationwide who entered the Siemens competition. Out of 20 finalists selected by the judges, eleven of them were girls. It was the first year that girls outnumbered boys in the final round and I don't think it's because this is the first year that girls were "smarter at science" than the boys. Just like I don't think that in past years' competitions, boys were "smarter at science" than the girls. I think that adults and educators are finally encouraging girls to excel in science, technology, and math. We should all give these girls a great big science-y high five! You Go, Girl!

As a middle schooler, I really, really, really liked my science classes. In 5th grade, I got to make crystals inside a jar and watch films on the theory of continents and tectonic plate movement. For the science fair, I spent hours with my Dad building a maze for my pet hamster, Teddy.

I wanted to find out just what type of food would motivate him to reach the end of his maze the quickest. It turned out that Teddy wasn't really motivated by anything, not even peanut butter. Even though my experiment was kind of a disaster, I had so much fun working on it! I made tons of charts and graphs to monitor his progress and felt very scientific with the brand-new stopwatch my parents gave me.

By the time I started 9th grade, I had secured a seat in advanced science class. I was one of two girls who sat in Mrs. Augrum's Advanced Earth Science class on the first day of my freshman year of high school. Even though I was very proud to be there, I quickly learned that it wasn't "cool" for a girl to work so hard at science. I was teased a lot and had many classmates ask me if they could copy my homework. I'm ashamed to admit that , buckling under popularity pressure, I decided to drop out of my advanced science classes when I reached the 10th grade.

I always wonder what would have happened if I had kept going or had encouragement from my teachers to combat the teasing of my classmates. I don't think I'd be winning any national science fairs, but I might have decided to study biology or chemistry in college.

So what's your science story? Do you proudly admit that you're a bit of a science nerd or do you fall asleep in class? Do you think that if you had a little more encouragement, you could find the fun in science? What fascinates you--the stars, dinosaurs, skin cells, venus fly traps? And what are some of your proudest science moments? Let's swap some science stories! I look forward to reading them!

Signing off,
Heather

Review of Lois' album, "Butterfly Kiss"

"Butterfly Kiss"
Album by Lois
Review by Abby Flowers

Butterfly Kiss by Lois is a terrific album. It has powerful songs, such as "Bonds in Seconds". It also has sweet, sad songs, such as "Valentine". The music is unique which makes it better than most music.
The song "Bonds in Seconds" says do not stay in a relationship with someone who treats you badly. This rule counts for friendships, with family, boyfriends or girlfriends. It is a rule a lot of people need to learn since a lot of people can not tell when they are being treated badly. I think this is an important rule because if you are not getting respect than you are not getting what you deserve and should not settle for less.
"Look Who’s Sorry" is about apologizing when you are wrong. It is also about showing remorse when you are sorry. I think this is important because it makes the person understand that you regret being mean and that you care about how they feel.
Lois is different from other types of music. The music is not like most music you hear on the radio. It is simple and relaxing. Her voice matches every song; on sad songs her voice is sad, and on powerful songs her voice is powerful.
One of my favorite lines is, “What do I know and what do I care for you?” from Bond in Seconds. I like this line because it is makes me feel powerful.
Another line I like is, “Like everything else I don’t know,” from "Sorora". This line relates to the confusion I feel sometimes about things I am experiencing.
Lois writes about feelings girls can relate to. She writes about being heart broken. She also writes about being powerful and standing up for yourself.
I heard about this album from my mom. My mom was sick of hearing the same music playing in my room so she called me out into the living room. She thought I should try something new. She gave me the CD. I put it in my boom-box and I loved it.
Lois is a great singer and songwriter. I hope you take my recommendation and listen to "Butterfly Kiss".