One of the most important things we can do while travel is to give back, which can happen in a variety of ways. You can buy and stay locally instead of in chain hotels or restaurants. You can volunteer in a community, which is called Voluntourism. International development can be helped greatly by voluntourism, which brings tourist dollars (and help) directly to the community.

I've got a great resource to share with our Wandering Educators today. Author Stephanie Lee has written a detail-packed book for women traveling solo, called The Art of Solo Travel: A Girls' Guide.

I am pleased to introduce Tracy Dearsan, our June Artist of the Month. Tracy, a native-of-Utah-gone-Californian, designs elaborately beaded jackets that to me have rich, yet renegade feel. Tracy was recently here in Utah and actually modeled two different jackets, but I did not take a picture of her in those jackets! What was I thinking?  Yikes!

I've got such a special book to share with you today. Author Mariana Titus is an old friend and I've always admired her writing, care for others, and artistry. Yes, she's an accomplished artist - she's inspired our daughter in her artistic pursuits as well. Mariana's books are full of a sense of PLACE and character. It is rare that an author can dig deep and truly share the essence of a place, culture, people.