TO LITERACY! OUR BITTERSWEET FINALE OF LOVE AND SQUALOR

Today marked the last Sexy Lady Bookworm shoot and I just couldn't make myself be happy about it. Well, that's a lie. While it's sad that the shoots will end, this really is the start of the actual product... and mark my words, it's gonna take the world by storm. If you're new here, you can read a little about the project I've been volunteering for here, and you can visit the Facebook page here. Sexy Lady Bookworms is proof that Tucson deserves a lick-n-stick gold star (and a smile!) while the rest of Arizona deserves to sit in time-out. We'll show YOU, you hateful state!

I'm thrilled to have been able to help Rachel out, but I feel pretty damn lucky to have been a part of so many self esteem boosting portraits as well. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: cameras are the perfect third party to honestly portray how beautiful every woman is. There were many seasoned models that offered their time (and gawgeous bodies) to the cause, but there were also many first time ladies. Women who were willing to force themselves through a scary and rigorous session of posing, stretching, bending, leaning, balancing, coordinating all while trying their damndest to not be self conscious. It's intimidating for new comers and my fondest memories will be of watching the confidence rise with every picture taken. And then watching the glow on the faces as they see the images of themselves. Pretty powerful shit.

Of course this is not actually the end. If anything, it's the beginning. The beginning of photo editing parties, and television interviews and news coverage. Of fundraising, mass production and shameless promotion. Of pats on the back, thank you's and I can wait to see you agains. This has started something wonderful, and it's been picking up speed for months. There's no stoppin' this train anymore! Hop on or get out of the way. We will support literacy one sexy woman at a time, and there's nothin' you can do about it. Huzzah for the written word!

P.S. Thank you Antigones. You are not only a feminist bookstore, but you are also solar powered, locally minded, and open to having our scandalous photo shoots after hours. You were already my favorite store in Tucson. Now you're my super favorite.

P.P.S. Oh yeah, and did I hear something about sexy nerdy gentlemen? I want THAT calendar.