WilloToons.com

gathering windows with automator

2009-03-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Do you use your laptop with an external display? (Note: Only talking to Mac users here) If so, this might be of use to you.

This is an old photo of my set up, as I now have a different keyboard/mouse combo & a stand for my laptop. I'll take a new photo soon of it all set up in my new office!

I use my MacBook Pro with an external monitor (a Cintiq 21ux, which is awesome). However, traveling with my laptop - from my office to home, or out to a cafe - I find that after I plug my external display back in, all of the windows are scattered between the two, when I'd like them to all be on the larger external screen.

Awhile back I'd searched around for a fix on this, but never really found a good solution that worked, and eventually resorted to simply going up to the Displays menu (that I keep accessible in the top menu bar), hitting "Turn On Mirroring" which mirrors all your content on each displays. Then, after waiting for it to re-adjust all the windows, go back into the Display pulldown again to "Turn Off Mirroring", which finally results in what I want: All of the windows are gathered on one (my external/larger) display. If you're curious, from here I usually only put iTunes & Tweetdeck on my smaller laptop screen.

Annoyed at this process (I know, big problems, huh?), I thought *surely* there's a way to make a script that does this for me. I mean, it is a Mac after all! So I took it upon myself to see if I could make an Automator script to take care of it for me...and I did it! :)

It's not perfect (only that a few times it hasn't closed the System Preferences afterwards for me), but other than that it works great! Should you be interested in trying it out, feel free to download the Toggle Screen App I created.

Essentially it just does all those steps I listed out above, but it's like there's a ghost in my machine doing it for me. While it's doing that I can plug in my power cord, take off my jacket & get settled.

Here's the steps, and a screenshot of these steps as seen in the Automator workflow:

Opens System Preferences
Clicks the "Displays" button.
Clicks the "Arrangement" tab.
Clicks the "Mirror Displays" checkbox.
Clicks the "Arrangement" tab.
Clicks the "Mirror Displays" checkbox.
Clicks the "System Preferences" menu.
Quits System Preferences

Want to try this app for yourself?

Download ToggleScreen.zip
Unzip the file
Put the Toggle Screen.app anywhere you'd like it to live. I keep mine in the /Applications/Utilities folder, and then leave an instance in the Dock, so I can easily hit it after my plub my external monitor in.

This is basically my first Automator script/app, so I'm sure it can be perfected. I'd love to hear feedback, or see it improved upon. Either way, hopefully I helped someone out there who was dealing with this same issue.

Note: I'm using OSX 10.5.6, if that matters.

Have you heard about this huge CPSIA issue?!

2009-02-25T00:07:00.001-08:00

You may have heard something about this crazy CPSIA issue, but if not, let me catch you up:

First of all CPSIA = Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. And the CPSIA law that has us all freaking out is one that, in essence, is much needed, as it's stemmed from trying to protect children from the toxic amounts of lead found in toys imported from China & the like.

Now initially I thought that just meant toys. But the thing is it's not just toys! It's everything from clothes to bikes to books! And the *sad* thing is, all the darling small businesses & crafty creatives out there sewing, painting & handcrafting their hearts out (including my WilloToons Baby line!) could be direly effected by this law if it is not amended.

WilloToons Owner Worries About CPSIA's Effects On Her Cutting-Edge Business

Read full article here >

Now, before I get too far into this story, you should know the latest news that thankfully mandatory testing & certification has been suspended 1 year. And it should be noted that the article/interview about my business, featured in the image/blog above, was written prior to this suspension - just weeks before the deadline when several of us would have to shut down or face EXPENSIVE (read: unsustainable business expense) lead testing. Regardless of this suspension though, it's key that everyone be aware of what's happening & continue to speak up so that at the end of the 1 year suspension, it's amended correctly.

What's ironic is that we (the crafters/small business owners) are specifically promoting handmade to AVOID toxic or mass produced toys/gifts/products from China! So, we all agree this is important, but the problem is that the law was written so poorly, that it essentially calls for lead testing on *every single product* produced for children under the age of 12. Which, when you start thinking about it, means this law wouldn't just effect small crafters, it would effect every single person, or business, who has any relationship to all the many small processes & products that go into creating & supporting millions of small businesses! Ak!

Domestic Diva, who also has a children's clothing company, did an awesome job of listing out all the people she could think of who would be effected by this law, within our industry (see thumbnail to the right of said impressive list). It's long. And this is just within the clothing business! Her post is a great overall, too & was one of the first that really got me to wake up & take action. Plus, she continues to put her heart & soul into keeping us all up to date. Thanks Lisa!

So yes, this is a big deal, and quite honestly I've had a hard time sitting down to write a post about it on here until now, because I've been reeling about it, like many small business owners out there.

When I first figured out how directly this effected my business, I Twittered a lot about it to raise awareness, and I wasn't the only one. There's a ton of activity/awareness on Twitter about this issue, thank goodness.

I also participated in a fabulous CPSIA Protest/Awareness giveaway on Goodies for Mom - which got a TON of reaction & an incredible amount of comments, which was great.

But, as I state in the article above, this law threatens my entire vision for the future of my business, and I have to take it very seriously. As well, I think it's completely short sighted - especially in light of our current economy - to threaten this many businesses. Plus, I *love* beautiful, handmade toys & clothing made for children and would never want to see them go!

Alright, so how can you help? Well, good news. Although this might be overwhelming, there are actually several ways you can get involved immediately:

First, I highly recommend you visit, read & download the action packet on the Etsy Storque CPSIA post. It lists out a few simple steps you can do right now within the next 10 minutes (online petitions & the like).

Beyond that, I ask that you help us spread the word & raise awareness! Bookmark/post/email my blog post to spread the word to everyone you feel should hear about it - Mom's, bloggers, crafters, etc.

Lastly, thank you for reading & for all of your support, darling readers! Raising awareness & sharing this with as many people as possible will help get our voices heard & make sure this law gets amended correctly.

For more information, current updates, videos & more, visit:

Change.org - Save Small Business from the CPSIA
CPSIA Ning site - particularly the videos, if that's a good way for you to absorb information
Fashion Incubator - Kathleen Fasanella has been doing an awesome job of keeping us all informed

I welcome all your comments & feedback!

buying a new laptop bag

2009-02-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm commuting to my new office - and with SXSW coming up - I need a new laptop bag.

I've had a BOOQ laptop bag for years (here's what mine looks like), and have loved it, but beyond holding my powercord, a magazine alongside my laptop & some smaller things like a mouse & headphones in the front pocket - it doesn't have much space.

I'm looking to have a bag that can basically replace my having to carry a purse and my laptop bag separately. As, if I add any kind of snack and/or water bottle to the equation, I find myself juggling. So this afternoon I set out on an (internet) hunt for a new one. First, tweeting a request for recommendations, and then I started by going back to a great Laptop Bags list I had seen recently on Squidoo.

Within maybe an hour I had narrowed it down to approximately five favs & then narrowed that down further to the following three:

This photo (above) shows the following three:

Zaum Portable Media, Orange: $170
I think these are all hand made - how beautiful is this!? All of theirs are amazing & quite honestly I'm coveting this baaad. I think I would have gone for it if their return policy wasn't exchange only. Also I wanted a tad more accessibility to the stuff in the pockets.
Acme Made Clyde Messenger Bag, Lime w/ Gold: $180
Also *extremely* into this bag... loving all the pockets. Maybe too many? Also wasn't sure if I wanted to go messenger style in the end.
Golla Festival Backpack: $70
I love the design on the outside & the red accents. I love that it holds the laptop more vertical AND that the top of the bag has a handle (the later two features are elements I love about my current BOOQ Bag). A lot of the photos online make this design look almost asphalt/gray, but apparently it's more brown... which isn't ideal, but I can definitely live with it. Note the link I used on the name above shows out of stock for this color, but I found one on eBay. Here's a great review of the Golla backpack w/ larger photos & details from an enthusiastic owner of both the black Chapter style & the red one, and another post that has photos & details from Golla at CES.

Which one do you think I got? Well, you may have been able to guess from my going on & on, but I'll save you the suspense: I got the Golla Festival! It'll be interesting to have a 'backpack' style for the first time in a long time, but I like how compact it is, while being stylish & functional... not to mention the most affordable out of the three! :)

Some others I looked at, that were in the running, initially:

BOOQ Slimcase: $100
Laurex, Gold Wave: $70
Golla Messenger Laptop Bag, Orange Twist: $100 - Ooh, here on Amazon for only $30! Also see this Golla Squidoo article displaying several of their designs. I'm really loving this brand!
Belkin 15-Inch Messenger Bag (Chocolate/Tourmaline): $30
Slightly unrelated, but I found this adorable Bucklette clip-on hip wallet ($92) while searching & totally want one! I added it to my wishlist. :)
Also, if you're setting out to buy a new laptop bag, be sure to search Etsy, too!

Gah... it's all I can do to not buy that Orange Twist since it's priced so affordably. I also found a Golla Chapter (black style) on eBay for around $30 as well & almost nabbed it in addition to the Festival, but obviously I don't need that many laptop bags... I'm sure I'll be fine with the one I ordered! :)

So that's my laptop bag roundup. Thoughts, feedback or your favorite(s)? I'd love to hear 'em.

WilloToons @ Noisepop Pop & Shop!

2009-02-21T18:28:00.001-08:00

WilloToons @ Noisepop Pop & Shop!, originally uploaded by Willo.

Please swing by & say hi to me at my first event of 2009, the NoisePop's Pop & Shop!

Saturday, February 28th, from Noon-4pm
The Verdi Club
2424 Mariposa St. @ Potrero in SF
(easy to find, near Slow Club Restaurant, roughly close to 16th & Potrero)
FREE admission & easy to get to!

Five awesome reasons you should come by:

I'm extending my huge Spring Inventory Clearance Sale I've had on my website for those who come by. I need to make room for new inventory coming soon, and that's where you benefit!
I have a bunch of fabulous new jewelry you will love - earrings & a number of new necklaces, too.
40 amazing indie designers & artists selling the latest chic and unique clothing, jewelry and limited edition screen-printed posters.
DJ sets all day means you don't have to listen to crappy elevator music while you shop.
Full Bar means you can take the edge off with a hair of the dog beer, or start your Saturday night off right!

See you there!

View all the upcoming & past WilloToons events

Meet me & see me speak at SXSW '09!

2009-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

My friend Rebecca Marshall & I will be leading a core-convo at SXSW all about "Snappy Strategies for Selling your Art & Crafts Online". We've been getting together to discuss our topics & how to bring you the best information... and I'm getting really excited about it!

We'll be inviting in some other very knowledgeable voices & look forward to a creative & informative conversation about what online (& offline) tools work best, how to drive traffic, and more.

If you're interested in this topic, have questions and/or suggestions, please leave a comment here or contact me directly via the contact form. Some leading questions I have are:

Have you thought about selling online, but don't know where to start?
Are you selling online currently, and if so...
- What is your set up (i.e. Etsy and/or cart on your site, like Shopify (which is what I use) or PayPal)?
- What have you found works well for traffic/sales?
- What do you find is your biggest challenge?
- What kind of advice would you wished you would have had and/or areas you would like help with now?
Or maybe you are currently selling online, but simply interested in taking it to the next level & don't quite know where to start?
What question(s) do you have or have answers for that am I not asking that you think crafters should know about selling online?

We want to hear from you! Again, if any of this struck a chord, please take a minute to leave a quick comment or submit your answers/suggestions via the contact form. We will be video taping this session & look forward to sharing it with the entire community after we get back!

Read the full convo description on SXSW.com. And if you're already signed up on my.SXSW: Add it to your schedule!

BAGeL Radio 6th Birthday Show @ Bottom of the Hill!

2009-02-06T13:10:00.001-08:00

Hey music fans!

Me & all my peeps are going to be rockin' out this Saturday, February 7th for the The BAGeL Radio Half-Dozenth Birthday... please join us!

Featuring Birdmonster / Railcars / Ricky Lee Robinson
plus DJ Cory of Absolutely Kosher Records
@ Bottom of the Hill

RSVP: SonicLiving...Going.com...Upcoming.org...Facebook...MySpace

Storewide Inventory Clearance Sale!

2009-01-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of change and in celebration of the inauguration of our new President, the WilloToons Shop is having a HUGE storewide clearance sale... everything is marked down!

We have lots of new goodies coming soon and we need to make room for the inventory - and that's where you benefit!

Go check out the SALE in the WilloToons Shop!

Sale ~~ends February 15th~~ EXTENDED till Feb. 27th! Hurry before your favorite items sell out!

p.s. If you looked closely at this cutie photo of Aubs, you'll notice we did a clever little spin on one of our most popular designs. In celebration of the inauguration of our new President, we created a custom limited edition line: eat. sleep. barack. repeat. (YES!) Click here to learn more.

eat. sleep. barack. repeat.

2009-01-28T01:43:00.000-08:00

If you looked closely at the image in the newsletter we just sent out (also in the Inauguration Sale banner on the site right now), we did a clever little spin on our popular eat. sleep. rock. repeat. design.

In celebration of the inauguration of our new President, we created a custom limited edition line eat. sleep. barack. repeat. (YES!) And it's not just on tees... you can buy it on a warm hoodie (both for kids & adults) & even a maternity tee for the preggie mommas out there!

On top of that, as you can see, we also finally have our popular rock squirrel design on tees for adults! Plus, you can even customize your t-shirt color! AWESOME! (I'm seriously super stoked on this myself, can you tell!?)

So definitely go check out our huge storewide Inauguration Sale & then, if you're interested, pop over to our new Spreadshirt Shop & check out the Barack'in gear there!

Lastly, please don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to see one of our designs on something in particular. We love hearing your feedback!

Let's Hit It

2009-01-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

eat. sleep. rock. repeat!

The Great Escape by We Are Scientists

beyond it being a kick ass song, look at the title.

Closer by Kings of Leon

makes you think. paced well.

A Drink And A Quick Decision by Grand National

because it's awesome.

grace in small things

2009-01-05T16:37:00.001-08:00

I don't know if I can keep it up for 365 days, but I love just listing out a few right now:

space: the new space in my home created from getting a new office (outside the home), and selling my old dining table & chairs (which I will replace with a new more compact set)
my internet skillz. (seriously)
heat
fall colors out my window

via my darling girlfriend, helen jane

::::

Wow, the whole "small" part of that was harder than I thought.

Today I'm loving feeling organized and accomplished. I'm doing a bit of spring cleaning & it feels like I'm making a new start in this new year. A year that I know has a lot of really exciting things in store. :)

Happy New Year everyone!

Now is the time.

2008-12-26T13:15:00.001-08:00

Now is the time., originally uploaded by Willo.

home for the holidays

2008-12-25T21:50:00.001-08:00

Oh Christmas tree!, originally uploaded by Willo.

I'm back in my hometown, Steamboat, CO, for the holidays:

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

xo

awesome jon stewart/mike huckabee interview

2008-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

There are so many gems in this interview:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee Pt. 2

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

"Religion is far more of a choice than homo sexuality."

"We protect religion...and talk about a lifestyle choice. At what age did you decide to not be gay?"

"Semantics is cold comfort when it comes to humanity."

"I think you're looking at sexuality and not attributes, and I think it's odd because the conservative mantra is "Ameritocracy", and I think what you're suggesting is, the fact of being gay parents makes you not as good as others. And I would suggest that a loving gay family, with a financially secure background, beats the hell out of Britney Spears & Kevin Federline any day of the week."

I love Jon Stewart!

all set up at UNIQUE!

2008-12-12T19:55:00.001-08:00

all set up at UNIQUE!, originally uploaded by Willo.

LA Peeps... come by UNIQUE this weekend!

2008-12-11T10:17:00.001-08:00

LA Peeps - Please come by UNIQUE this weekend!, originally uploaded by Willo.

For thos of you in LA, Ali & I are driving down to participate in UNIQUE LOS ANGELES!

It's going to be an awesome show, so if you're in or around LA, I'd love it if you'd come by & say hello to us!

Also, I have a few wristbands for friends I need to give out, so we may meet people out for drinks tonight or tomorrow night. Text me if you want to get in on that & nab a wristband from me... it's my intention to pass them all out & have every one of you come to the show & support all of us independent artists!

Here's deets on the actual event (Facebook event link). Can you all post this to your profile or email it to LA peeps?

Hope to see you while I'm down there!

chicago was awesome!

2008-12-11T10:12:00.001-08:00

holiday cards too!, originally uploaded by Willo.

Thanks to all of you in & around Chicago that came out to the Renegade Holiday Craft Fair - what an event! Five (!) rooms full of incredibly creative, crafty fabulousness... huzzah!

I was fortunate enough to stay with this pretty lady & her handsome kitty all weekend:

Sarah was quite possibly the most hospitable, generous, warm, fun & darling hostess with the mostess a girl could ask for! I felt so incredibly welcome, supported & comfortable the entire time. Seriously, I can only hope that I am this great of a host for my guests. She's awesome!

And, I love that her home was so full of the holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays everyone!

I'm heading to Chicago for Renegade!

2008-12-02T10:54:00.001-08:00

I'm going to Chicago! yay!, originally uploaded by Willo.

Do you live in or near Chicago... or have friends & family in that area? Well, give them the heads up, this weekend is Chicago's Renegade Holiday Craft Fair! Held in the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse both days this weekend, Dec. 6 & 7, and I'll be there (my table is on the 2nd floor, FYI) with all my WilloToons merch!

This is my first time traveling to a show! I'm very excited, but because it changes a lot of what I usually bring, it should be interesting. I'm also delighted I get to stay with my awesome friend Sarah Hatter, who apparently is already planning to make us delicious omelets for breakfast & a yummy chili (hi bed & breakfast fabulousness), AND who is going to help me at my table over the weekend. yay! love her.

I'm a little nervous about the weather, but I'm confident that my warm new jacket from my brother's store, Om Gallery will keep me warm. Well, that and Sarah said homes there are actually insulated & have good heating systems. huzzah! So maybe I won't die from the freezing cold. Ooh, and total bonus, she has a snuggly kitty named Cooper, too! You know me, add a snuggly kitty to the mix & I'm happy. :)

Ok, gotta go finish cleaning & packing. Remember, if you can't make it to this event in Chicago, be sure to listen for when there's a similar type show near you so you can buy unique & affordable holiday gifts from independent artists. Actually, I'll be traveling to LA the following weekend (which will be a welcome change in temp!), so maybe I'll see you there! Click here to see all my upcoming events.

Happy Holiday shopping everyone. xo

happy thanksgiving everyone!

2008-11-27T13:58:00.001-08:00

Now on sale in the shop! :)

I was just talking to my momma & she's making bacon wrapped shrimp appetizers for the Thanksgiving dinner she's going to today. Nice, mom! I don't know if you'll be having bacon today - or if I will, at the orphan dinner I'm going to - but regardless, today is a big day for feasting on many yummy foods we love. We are very blessed!

I'm so thankful for all my amazing friends and family around the city, state, country and world. For my snuggly kitty who gives me so much joy, entertainment & snuggly love. For my health and good fortune of having this beautiful home, a creative spirit and willingness to be open to the lessons life and relationships have to offer. And, of course, for all of you who take the time to visit my site, and support me & my dream business. Seriously... thank *you* for reading right. this. second! :)

I am sending you all big love & warm holiday bear hugs... as well as compassionate, loving, healing thoughts to all of those faced with hard times. Life can throw some epic challenges our way, but whatever you do, just keep the light of love in your heart and hold on. We are not alone. We are all connected. Feel my love & hugs through the internet right now? See? We're totally connected. :)

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, everyone!
xo

p.s. OK, I cannot resist giving you one last thing... because nothing says Thanksgiving like a Pinecone Cheeseball.

my jewelry in RAG SF!

2008-11-22T17:20:00.001-08:00

I went & restocked my jewelry shelf at RAG Co-Op in Hayes Valley the other day - I think it's looking so pretty!

Go shopping at RAG & support local artists! My stuff is also available in the RAG online store, too. Here's my shelf of baby stuff there:

Shop Indie & Handmade this Holiday season! WilloToons Jewelry & WilloToons Baby

craftsplosion!

2008-11-22T17:15:00.000-08:00

I've been crafting like crazy lately, preparing for the holidays... I've been sewing totebags & pouches, making jewelry, gocco'ing greeting cards & more! So fun!

Recently my peddle foot stopped working on my machine, so I took it apart (hi, McGyver!) and somehow got it to start working again!

Crazy that this little part is all that powers a peddle foot, huh?

Here's a few more videos & photos of my sewing machine surgery if you wanna see.

:::
Here's a few pics of the pouches I made, too:

on the other side of this one there's a little hedgehog. :)

octopouch!

Note: These are the first pouches I've ever sewn! Fun, huh? They're made with left over velvety orange curtains & blue felt for the octopus.

The one casualty of all this crafting is that my house is a serious crafty mess! Or as I like to call it, "craftsplosion." heh.

Kazoobie likes it though! :p

Happy Holiday Crafting!

things I need help with...

2008-11-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

implementing changes on my site, sales, etc.
creating & sending out newsletters... seriously why is this so hard for me to do?!
assembling press packets & sending them out to magazines, newspapers, etc
researching/acquiring a packaging idea I have in my head
moving my blog over to wordpress (but I want to do a small redesign first)
potentially doing said small site redesign, since I'm clearly not finding the time!
create wholesale application form on my website
finish wholesale shopify store
design new hangtags, specifically for bibs (that style is changing), and for baby & toddler tees
design a new postcard, more rockin'/adult focused vs the baby focused one I have now
accounting/quickbooks - once again I'm almost 2 months behind
adding testimonials to my site
add a quick feedback form to my site

oy, we'll start there... the list goes on. :)

raise your hand if you can help... I am just trying to get this baby off the ground!

you really want to pull the bible card?

2008-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

"It says in the Bible that marriage is a sacred bond between one man and one woman! As a Christian, what other parts of the Bible would you like me to just ignore?"

Let's say that I don't want you to ignore any, and that we'll take a strict interpretation of the Bible as the basis for laws concerning marriage in the United States. I'm happy to report that your amendment now reads like this:

Marriage in the United States shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women. (Gen 29:17-28; II Sam 3:2-5) Marriage shall not impede a man's right to take concubines, in addition to his wife or wives. (II Sam 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chron 11:21) A marriage shall be considered valid only if the wife is a virgin. If the wife is not a virgin, she shall be executed. (Deut 22:13-21) Marriage of a believer and a non-believer shall be forbidden. (Gen 24:3; Num 25:1-9; Ezra 9:12; Neh 10:30) A contract of marriage is for life. Neither this Constitution nor the constitution of any State, nor any state or federal law, shall be construed to permit divorce. (Deut 22:19; Mark 10:9)

I feel more marriage-inclined, how 'bout you?

- Lance Arthur responds to comments from CNN.com which are pro-Prop 8. That is to say anti-gay marriage. His entire post is quotable, so just go read the whole thing.

via Your New Favorite

visiting my beautiful baby niece!

2008-11-16T00:12:00.001-08:00

my beautiful baby niece!, originally uploaded by Willo.

On Thursday night I went down to Santa Cruz to see my awesome brother, Max, his gorgeous & wonderful wife, Samara & the cutest baby girl ever, Miss 8-month old Sylvyanna! Sylvy's crawling now & so much more.... she's sooo cute!

In just 24 hours & I managed to get 116 photos & 27 videos... Can you tell I'm quite smitten? :)

she's so fun to play with right now. she's taking everything in... singing, talking & giggling.

This is probably why I shouldn't have kids... there's not enough hard drive space in the world! haha

View all the photos & videos from this visit!

2008-11-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

This video is amazing... stop everything, and take five minutes to sit & look into this man's eyes & listen to what he has to say. It's so beautiful, heartfelt, integrous & true. I want to hug this man.

Also, this is the first I've discovered Keith Olbermann. I don't watch a lot of news, so that's why, but wow... what an incredibly solid, heartfelt speaker.

Here's more, very well said, dialogue from an email I just received from Courage Campaign:

In this emotional statement on "Countdown," his nightly news program on MSNBC, Keith eloquently expresses why the passage of Prop 8 is so tragic and then directly addresses supporters of the proposition.

Olbermann poignantly asks those who voted for Prop 8 where they "stand, on a question of love." That's why we hope you will share this YouTube with your social networks -- your friends, family and neighbors -- and especially those who may disagree with you on marriage equality (and we all know someone who disagrees, for whatever reason).

This video is a great way to spark an honest dialogue and begin the work towards our collective long-term goal of persuading more people to vote in favor of marriage equality.

Usually, after an election, political discussions wind down and life returns to normal. But Prop 8 is not about politics. It is about love, equality and civil rights.

That's why, as of this morning, an astounding 103,041 people have signed the pledge to repeal Prop 8, launched by the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile. And it's why thousands of people will be gathering to protest Prop 8 at City Halls across America at 10:30 a.m. PT on Saturday.

Californians are standing up for marriage equality and speaking out against enshrining discrimination in our state's constitution. But, to build a grassroots Marriage Equality Movement -- the civil rights movement of the 21st Century -- we need to start changing the conversation across California and our country. That means talking with our family and friends.

Changing the conversation in California starts with you. Please watch Keith's comments, share it with your friends and family, and then ask them to join over 100,000 people in signing our pledge to repeal Prop 8:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/SpecialComment

Studies have shown that the most effective way to swing a voter to our side is to talk to our friends and family about the meaning of marriage equality. The path to repealing Prop 8 starts now, with you and the discussions you have with the people in your life.

Thank you for everything you are doing to restore marriage equality to California.

Pip Squeak a Go Go!

2008-11-09T10:08:00.001-08:00

I have a WilloToons table at this cute little event today. Sorry I'm posting this here so late, but hopefully most of you heard about it via my Flickr, Twitter or the WilloToons Newsletter (subscribe!).

Tell your Bay area Mommy/Daddy friends
Pip Squeak a Go Go - A dance party for kiddos & parents @ 330 Ritch
Sunday, November 9th from 1-4:30pm

The Devil-Ettes, San Francisco's premier 60s style go go dance group, are pleased to bring you a Go Go Dance party for the underage set. Inspired by the 1960's television show "Kiddie A Go Go," The Devil-Ettes offer a new spin on an old classic with music and fun for all ages. Whether you're a kid, or just like to act like one, this is one bash you won't want to miss! The kids dig learning all the lost and forgotten dances of the 1960's and The Devil-Ettes are great at keepin' the kids engaged throughout the day!

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