1. I am thrilled and flattered that All the World has been chosen as a Cybils Picture Book finalist. The Cybils, folks. These are my peeps. And honest to goodness, did you SEE all the other finalists? Dang, I wish that sale at BookPeople had been longer than one day. I’m starting to think that when they say "Customer Appreciation" they mean, in particular, me.

2. I am thrilled and flattered again (and also kind of light-headed) that All the World was included in the 2009 Horn Book Fanfare. Cannot say much more than that, what with the light-headedness and all. Sheesh.

3. The always big-hearted Lisa Schroeder is hosting a truly inspiring series of posts this month over at Lisa’s Little Corner of the Internet. It’s called Dream Big, and there’ll be a new spin on that topic every day but Sundays. Go check out the awesome Matthew Holm’s post and the indefatigable April Henry’s post right now. And then bookmark Lisa’s site, because why’d you want to miss posts on dreaming???

4. And speaking of dreaming, it is time for me to say in public that one of my goals for Twenty-Ten (not including drinking more water and making something that sounds like music with this dang dulcimer) is to complete a draft of this YA novel that’s stuck in my craw. There. I said it. Picture books, scootch aside for a minute, wouldja?

5. Have you said your goals in public yet? Um, might I suggest that you do? That’s what the comment section’s for, folks…

6. Time, space, health and happiness to each and every one of you, today and all year long.