V I E W S

Norway: A Contrast of Views

H O M E L A N D // C O L O R S

Science Sundays

This past Sunday, I organized a “small group” of kiddos for beach experiments. I wanted to see if there is a desire to have more hands-on science with elementary-aged kids. I invited a few parents to bring their kids so we could create sand volcano eruptions and experiment with density (how oil reacts with water, detergent, honey, etc.).

I expected around 6 kids to show up. Luckily, I had enough food coloring to paint the Sistine Chapel… since over 20 kids appeared at my table. (When in doubt, give kids food coloring– nothing can go wrong!)

We created “water fireworks” with warm water, oil, and food coloring. We made colorful glasses of different liquids as each created a layer depending on its density. We tested the properties of warm and cold water (how they mix with each other due to their density/volume.)

 

Now I have parents asking me if I can do this every month, come into classes, organize a science club… The pressure is on! So glad to see parents and kids excited about science.

If you would like to order a copy of Stinky Stardust Feet (the behind reason Science Sunday) please click here.

Many thanks,
Chelsea

"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." - Carl Sagan

Stinky Stardust Feet: Why Even?

One does not become a children’s book author for the fame and fortune. In fact, it’s a cut-throat industry where most of the people who “make it” are well connected in the publishing world. 

Unless you have an original wizard story with a boy named Harry, it’s hard to make a career out of books. 

Which is why I think my stance is pretty good. I’m not trying to raise enough money to be profitable, I’m trying to make a difference– no matter how small. 

I was recently asked what motivated me to write Stinky Stardust Feet. 

Basically, I don’t like the direction the world is going in. I’m hoping for a better future, and if we want to make real change, we must educate our kids. 

Often times we don’t give kids enough credit for their brilliance. The concepts in Stinky Stardust Feet may seem suitable for advance learners, but it’s great to introduce these topics early on.



Let’s develop a love for discovery as they take literal (and figurative) steps into the world. I don’t want to dumb kids down. Let's challenge kids in a way that they are encouraged to be proactive.

We can all agree that learning is most effective when it’s enjoyable. I want to see a generation of kids who care deeply about what’s going on around them. Not kids who are waiting in line to take selfies so they can hashtag the photo and get free #Nikes.



Do you see what I mean? This book is my effort to put a little more good in a pretty stinky world. 

I’m honored that you’ve already ordered a copy (or two!), now I ask you to THINK. Who else could benefit from a little educational fun? (hint: everyone.) If we can spark curiosity in kids, then we can snowball out of the instagram vacuum and into things that matter and beyond.

Let’s do some good.

Many thanks,
Chelsea

Children’s Book Turns the Taboos of Religion & Science into Educational Laughs

Greensboro, NC, December 28, 2018/ Press Release

On January 1st, Stinky Stardust Feet launches on crowd-funding site Kickstarter. With a range from $5-$10,000, backers can reap rewards from the indie publisher on any budget. Stinky Stardust Feet encourages questions, critical thinking, being silly and unity towards all things earth. 

The link: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg is LIVE!

The main character, Judas, has to open his mind to figure out and understand the significance of personal hygiene. From the very first page, the reader is introduced to a notorious name. In this book, however, he is seen as a curious and misunderstood boy. Judas goes on to discover why exactly his feet smell like rotten onions, and how he can use his method to solve future problems. 

Author Chelsea Pyne explained, “I wanted to give kids and parents an opportunity to discuss science, religion, traditions, and any questions about the universe around them. And to do so in a lighthearted manor. It’s okay to ask silly questions about serious topics."

"The book touches on The Big Bang, evolution, natural selection, the scientific method, cultures and traditions, and the importance of clean feet. 

The takeaway is for kids to not believe everything they hear. This is especially important today, when so many stories are passed on as exaggerated truths. This is also the beauty behind science. It’s unbiased. We shouldn’t take so and so’s word for it because they are popular or powerful. Look for evidence, test your hypothesis, and then come to your conclusion. We want to encourage kids to think outside the box and to question authority. 

In a time when people are constantly divided, it's important to remind the next generation how alike we truly are. We all share an important history, embrace it! (For future sake.)”

The book is nearing completion this month. The water color illustrations can be found on the Kickstarter page, and are even included in a reward. The author has added print and ebook versions, poems, art, science education for kids, and sailing and adventure rewards to fund the book.

Books will be printed with funding goal of $5,000. The printed and ebook version are available for $25. 

For more information visit the kickstarter page: https://kck.st/2SwhgNg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StinkyStardustFeet/

Instagram: @stinkystardustfeet

Email the author: stinkychels@gmail.com

Glamping in Monument Valley

Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain

Somehow the willpower of going against the "lazy American" stereotype saw through my toughest hike in Ireland. Four hours of straight up and straight down a stone precipice, stumbling all the way. Dehydration, burning thighs, and a twenty pound backpack made my 2,507 ft climb unforgettable. 

So unforgettable in fact, that we found a Snickers bar... and I ate it. Chels E. does not each Snickers or any such junk. (Don't get me wrong, chocolate is a weakness... but a Snickers?!)

You can see the trail is pure rock. So much that every two steps you take up, you slide one back. My legs hurt for an entire week after this climb. Even more unbelievable, people hike to the top barefoot as a pilgrimage to St. Patrick. Why? Because pain, devotion, insanity, religion, the holy spirit, that's why.

James, who deemed himself an unfit hiker, probably set a record for the climb... in his fancy shoes and leather jacket. He made me look slow, which is unheard of.

365 islands of Clew Bay. John Lennon has his island here. It was his dream to build a house and retire on it.

When I finished, it was behind an older guy with a rather large mid-section. I thought he'd share my feelings of "let's never do that again." Because I definitely congratulated him and complained about the hike. Turns out, Patty Jo hiked Crough (croak) Patrick 139 times. He does it twice a week and has for decades.

Wrong person to confess to. Although it was tough, what a view. Definitely worth the experience... very happy I didn't know what I signed up for. You could not convince me to do it again, but who doesn't love a good challenge?