Diary of a December Squid Angel

Dragonology
I love to read, so books had to be in here someplace. Dragonology will teach your child all about the care, habits, and feeding of dragons!

The Adventures of Garden Guy
This one isn't about a real book, but stories that Lilymom invented to entertain her kids - the adventures of Garden Guy

Spider Robinson
If you love puns, Spider Robinson is the author for you. His novels of Callahan's Cross-time Saloon (located somewhere on Route 25A in what we locals like to cal Lawn Guyland) will have you in stitches - they're also fun to read.

Esme Weatherwax
I'm not sure if Spider Robinson and Terry Pratchett have ever been in the same room, but if they were, the walls would probably burst from all the laughing. I love Terry's books, and Flynn has made a great lens about one of his most memorable characters.

Dune
Frank Herbert's classic novel - the book rocks - what about the movies? See what the secretive (and wickedly funny) LabKitty has to say.

Female Sleuths
Female detectives are sometimes overlooked (once you get past Miss Marple), but here's a whole lens worth of them: from Sue Grafton to J.D. Robb.

Obama's Books
Like him or not, he does (clearly) like to read both fiction (unusual) and non-fiction. See what's on his reading list now.

Where the Wild Things Are
The one, the only Maurice Sendak

The Kite Runner
A beautiful, sad, haunting and wonderful book. If you haven't read it yet, you should.

The Help
As I read this book, I kept wondering what our own cleaning lady would have thought of it. Sadly, it's too late to ask her.

Too Many Books
Never! At my reading speed, there's never enough.

The Mysterious Island
I confess I wasn't familiar with this book by Jules Verne, but it sure sounds interesting.

Charlie Brown
It's hard for me to look at this now, but I decided to bless it in honor of a lost friend.

Beowulf
Sure, you had to read it in school, but the newer translations are much better. Try the one by Seamus Heaney (a poet, as well as a scholar).

The Mercury Missions
I grew up when the space program was in its infancy. My neighbor worked on the Lunar Landing Module, and we all went over to their office to watch the moon landing (they had color TV - sounds so quaint now). I wonder what the chimps thought.

The Hubble Telescope
The pictures from the Hubble Telescope continue to astonish me. I'm so glad they fixed the faulty lens. It was worth every penny.

Marine Biologist
The mysterious (and furry) Flynn the Cat whipped up this lens as part of the Virtual Jenga challenge. Find out what a marine biologist really does (there's math! who knew?) Illustrated with beautiful photos of sea creatures.

Starfish
Check out these beautiful sea creatures - that can grow back lost limbs, eat squid (!), and sometimes look like red jewels glinting in the sand.

Animal Rescue
Paris insisted I include this lens, since he's a rescue cat. It's about a shelter that protects and rescues animals.

Backyard Bird Feeding
Ever wonder how to attract more birds to your yard? Find out what foods each bird likes to eat.

Amber
I suppose this is both nature and art. The insects caught in amber have always fascinated me - and they're beautiful too.

Clock Invention
They're so common now, we hardly notice them. But imagine a time when there were no clocks (it's not just getting up in the morning, it's sailing and navigation and cooking and lots of other things too).

Make your own volcano
Always a big hit at science fairs. Get the instructions on what to do.

Crows
They're a lot smarter than we think they are. They use tools, for one thing.

The Baobab Tree
What is it about the baobab tree that's different? Take a look and see.

Bryce Canyon
I first visited Bryce Canyon when I was a kid. It's still breathtaking. See for yourself.

Recycling
How to save trees, fuel, paper and other natural (and unnatural) things

Plants for Bees
With colony collapse disorder threatening bees all over the US, it's extra-important to plant flowers and plants that will attract and nurture your local bee population.

Keukenhof Gardens
Since it's the dead of winter in the north, these beautiful flowers are even more appealing than they would be in spring. Those tulips are astonishing!

Working for Others Doesn't Work for Me
Important tips you need to know before you become an entrepreneur. It may seem free and easy (work in your jammies, set your own schedule), but there's hard work involved too.

Squidoo Graphics
Greekgeek has made these great Squidoo graphics and graciously shared them with us. You may use them on your own lenses (that's where my angel came from), as long as you give her credit and link back to her.

How to Avoid Christmas
Sometimes, this time of year can get to be a bit much (especially if you don't celebrate, or are a minority religion). Here's what to do if the holidays are not for you.

The Chemistry of Hope
This lens is part of the Virtual Jenga challenge (50 lenses stacked on top of each other).I hadn't thought of hope and chemistry (most of my hope in chemistry class long ago was hoping I'd pass!), but it plays a big part in how scientists work - hoping their hypothesis is right, hoping they can cure a disease, and hoping they'll make progress.

Community Service Ideas
The holidays can get pretty hectic, and it's easy to get caught up in shopping and parties. Why not take some time to give back and help others instead? You'll feel better (and helping has NO calories).

How to Make Your Own Cookbook
Since I've given you a gazillion recipes, might as well have a good way to organize them and pass them down and around. Who knows, maybe your family recipes will make you the next top TV chef.

Make Your Own Cake Mix
Not quite sure if I should put this under cooking or "how to", but either way, it's pretty clever.

Origami Earrings
These beautiful earrings are made out of paper. Complete instructions on how to do it.

Farmers Market Booth
How to make your booth (or any display) more appealing.

Make Your Own Ketubah

Gift Buying Tips When You're Stumped
What to buy when you don't know what to buy (or the recipients are hard to shop for).

I know I'd never have the patience, but ChapelHill Fiddler's ketubahs sure are beautiful!

Make Your Own Spa Products
Love spas, but don't want to pay their high prices? Learn how to make spa products yourself.

Black and White Photography
Thirty absolutely gorgeous black and white photos. I particularly like the origami crane.

Cranberry Glass
This lens first caught my eye because my mom has a cranberry glass pitcher the same same as the one in the middle of the intro photo on this lens. They're even prettier in person than in a photo. The color is really rich (and red is one of my favorite colors anyway).

Maori Bone and Jade Carvings
I have two friends in New Zealand and have seen photos of the beautiful carvings of whales, whale tails, and fish hooks. Maybe if I beg nicely, they'll send me one...

Stained Glass Bottles
Make beautiful decorative bottles, vases, and ornaments with some simple tools, patience, and glue. Lens of the day on Dec. 14th! (can I pick them or what!) ;)

50 Favorite Art Masterpieces
A collection of personal favorites. See if yours are there.

Ansel Adams
Adams was a master photographer. His nature photographs are black and white, but still manage to convey majesty, awe, and color.

Andrew Wyeth
I'm particularly found of the painting of the woman on the hill looking up. Which do you like best?

Masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age
Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer (I just love the light he got), and Dort

Oil Pastels
Not finished art, but tips on choosing the right tools to create art.

Winter Photography
How to take photos in winter, without getting a funny blue or grey tinge.

Classic Greek Lamb Roast
Anyone who has known me for more than 5 minutes, or looked at my lenses, knows I love food. This roast lamb sounds divine!

Greek Pastiitso
Pasta, cheese, and beef, all in a fabulous white sauce.

Ice Cream
It may be a bit chilly here in the northern hemisphere, but ice cream is always good. I had no idea the original recipe had to be kept secret.

Chocolate Desserts
This lens features chocolate desserts from Mexico,, including instructions on how to make Mexican hot chocolate and churros (oh, I'm hungry just typing this).

Potholder Soup
The broccoli story made me laugh. It reminded me of something a friend once said about food (she's totally hopeless in the kitchen).

Peruvian Tallarines Verdes
A variation on a theme of pesto, with a Latin American spin.

Rosemary Herb
I managed to kill my rosemary plant last winter. With these tips, maybe next year I can do better!

Homemade Bread Recipe
Is there anything more enticing than the smell of freshly baked bread? The raisin bread looks divine. Bet it tastes good too.

Fabulous Brownies
ChefKeem's seriously yummy best brownie recipe. Enough for nearly everyone on Squidoo (all at once)!

Jamaican Curried Chicken
I've never had this, but it sure sounds good (hmmm... there's an awful lot of food on this lens... I'm really making myself awfully hungry).

Mexican Sopapillas Recipe
I've never had these either (they sound a bit like churros, which are yummy). Another thing to add to my recipe list!

Chicken for Shabbat
Roast chicken is traditional on Shabbat. As Amy says, it's the ultimate comfort food - reminding you of Shabbat dinners your mom and grandmother made. These recipes sound really good (love the lime chicken and the imperial chicken too).

Polish Pierogi
There used to be a wonderful restaurant near me called Christine's that had deliciious peirogi. They're gone now, but with this recipe, I can make them myself.

Salt
No, it's not that new movie, it's a lens all about the many different kinds, tastes, and even colors of salt. Bet you didn't know salt came in pink.

Cupcakes for Breakfast
This lens answers the important question - can you have cupcakes for breakfast? What do you think (asks the woman who recommends cheesecake over cereal)?

Ethiopian Food
Oh, this reminds me of college. The resident director of my dorm was from Ethiopia. She made us a delicious feast once. This lens will introduce you to Ethiopian food and help you cook it yourself.

Tagines
You may think the tagine is the savory, Moroccan stew. It's really the name of the pot it's cooked in. Get recipes and beautiful pictures (from a chef!).

French Cuisine
Continuing our trip around the food world, time for some French appetizers. Yum!

Challah Recipe
There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread. Yum!

Blintzes
Think of them as crepes, without the fancy French name. Delicious with cheese or blueberries.

Spicy Pleasures
How about some spicy food? It's tasty (and good for you - those compounds fight germs!)
http://www.squidoo.com/spicy-pleasures

Taiwan Street Food
Food doesn't have to be fussy to taste good. Indulge in some tasty snacks.

Top Chinese Dishes
Favorite Chinese delicacies (like beer duck and dumplings).

Honey Mustard BBQ
Mmmm... pork loin, barbecue... I'm hungry! (and I'm typing this at 9:35 am).

Sephardic Eggplant Recipes

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Ice cream. And cookies. Need I say more? Yum!
Inspired by a song sung at weddings, but food is food! And, weddings are a good place for it too.

Collecting Teddy Bears
Everything you need to know about identifying brands, how to tell if your bear is really, old, and how the teddy bear got its name.

Classic Retro Toys Remember the slinky, paper dolls, and jacks? They're still around (and they're still fun to play with).

Toys for Men
It's an old saying that "the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys." Most of Ed's lenses are not for me, but this one made me smile. Who knows, maybe your guy will like a tractor for the holidays too. Here's how to choose the right gift.

Lego Robotics
Fun and education all at once. Lego! And robots! Cool...

Cat Toys
Cat-tested. Cat approved.

Ankhesenamun
Sure, we all know about Tutankhamen, but what about his queen? I've been fascinated by ancient Egypt since I was a kid, and this lens helped feed by thirst for more knowledge.

Bath, England
I haven't been back in years, but it's a beautiful place. Legend says the hot springs cure diseases.

Longitude
Long before GPS and Google Earth, the problem of calculating longitude (and your position on the sea) vexed sailors for years. Finally, a prize was offered for the best solution. Find out what happened next.

Central Park, New York City
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park is a peaceful, green oasis in the middle of one of the world's biggest and busiest cities. People play, sleep, watch each other, listen to free concerts by the likes of Dave Brubeck, the New York Philharmonic, and Simon&Garfunkel, or even watch movies during the summer in the park series.

Redheads
Where did we come from? Are we really cranky? Or "hot" in other ways? This lens will tell you about the myths, legends, and superstitions associated with red hair.

Family History
Free resources to help you track down your own family history. Find out what heroes (or villains) are hiding in your own family tree.

Isabella Bird
I confess I had never heard of Isabella before I read this lens. She led a fascinating life as an explorer, at a time when most women rarely strayed far from home.

Seaman's Journal
Seaman was a Newfoundland dog who went along on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Read about the whole journey from a doggie's eye view.

Terracotta Army
These Chinese soldiers are astonishing. Rows and rows of them, each one with a different face. I've seen a few in person (when they came to New York) the full effect must be amazing.

Trebuchets!
How to build your very own trebuchet. If you don't know what that is, you'll have to look. (I saw this and had to bless it. Can't tell you why).

Visit India
I've never been, but after reading this lens I almost feel as if I have.

Moai Statues
I've always been fascinated by these statues (on Easter Island). Who built them? And why?

Chinese National Treasures
Bronze vessels, a jade burial suit, and of course, the terracotta army.

Bergen Belsen
A personal story of what the lensmaster's journey to an awful place. Terrible to remember, but we must not forget what happened.

Irena Sendler
Amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, the story of how a single Polish Catholic woman saved 2500 lives.

Palau
This lens caught my eye because a friend (a biologist) was there long ago studying the marine life. No wonder she liked it (it's beautiful).

Sweet Honey in the Rock
I saw this a capella group at Carnegie Hall years ago. Their sound and their joy is unmatched.

Joni Mitchell
A brand-new lens about a singer, songwriter, painter with folk rock and jazz influences. Heck, you've probably heard Big Yellow Taxi a gazillion times (if you haven't, you should go listen). Here are 10 of her best albums.

Nonsense songs
Because we need a little "silly" right this very minute.

James Taylor Non-Hits
Sure, anybody can make a lens about the chart-toppers, but what about the lesser known songs?

Wynton Marsalis
I don't remember when I first heard him play, but his trumpet is captivating - and his sound is unlike any other. He writes his own stuff (as well as playing jazz and even classical standards).

1960s Protest Music
Sometimes, I think we need a little more protesting going on. Meanwhile, relive the last time.

Beethoven's Violin Concerto
My mom's absolute favorite piece of classical music.

Danny Kaye
I love Danny Kaye. His tongue-twisting songs from The Court Jester and the Inspector General are absolute marvels. Go listen. Now.

Special Squidoo Monsters
The extra monsters Sduidoo HQ should have included (but didn't). Greekgeek's lens will have you howling with laughter. I sure did.

Tall Poppy Syndrome
This one isn't funny at all. It's the story of what happens when bullies try to belittle, demean, and push around people more gifted than they are.

Squid Mythology
Another entry in the Jenga tower, Greekgeek was challenged to write a lens about the mythology (and reality) of giant squids (the kind in the water, not on Squidoo). And she did it in with only 48 hours notice!

Squid Art
Tagsforkids (aka Steve) has made a series of funny squid doodles (with equally funny captions). If you ask nicely, he'll even let you use them (just don't sell them or profit from them, and make sure you give him credit).

Samovars
Why use an ordinary kettle to boil water for your tea when you can have one fit for a tsar? These are not just practical, they're beautiful.

Made-Up Words
These words don't really exist - but they should!

Shades of Black and White
A very personal and moving story about an interracial marriage.

TSA Gone Mad
Do the new TSA rules go too far? Is it security? Or is it harassment?

Visit South Africa
A beautiful country. And this lens is part of the Jenga challenge.

New Zealand Life
What happens when a nice American family moves to New Zealand? A bit of culture shock, that's what.

Ipads help Autism
Seems the ipad has an unexpected use - it's great for autistic kids. It's also much cheaper than the standard technology aids. Bravo Apple!

Bond. James Bond
Who's better? Connery or Moore?

Ninja Cats
You know they're there. Or, are they?

Raising a Natural Dog
Can't leave the dogs out, can we? Natural ways to keep yours healthy and happy.

American Cancer Society Relay
Help fight cancer.

Ban Smoking
Seems this goes well with the lens above it. I know, I know it's legal, but is it right to hurt others? Decide for yourself.

Tzedakah
Helping those in need in Israel

Electric Socks
Brrr, It's cold. Keep your toes toasty with electric socks!

CSS3 tricks
OK, I admit CSS makes my head hurt, but the new tools let you create some really cool effects.

Dewy the Cat
The story of a cat who charmed a library (and the people in it).

Cat Shelter
How to approach cats in a shelter, what to look for when you pick a cat. This is one of Paris's favorite lenses (since he's a rescue cat too).

The Invention of Chocolate
Who invented chocolate? How did it happen? How do we thank them?

National Chocolate Day
The yummiest holiday of the whole year!