7 Things Inspiring Me Today
Monday, January 19, 2009 at 12:36PM 
1. Recent paintings (done standing up at an easel) by my 7-year-old daughter, Grace. (above: Sunset Sky, 2009.)
2. Pamela Tanner's documentary, Who Does She Think She Is? about how, for some women artists, "creativity and care-taking do not need to be mutually exclusive." (Can I just say, "Amen, Sister"?!)
3. Finally finishing Debbie Ford's Dark Side of the Light Chasers and finding it one of the most powerful books I have ever read. (I am now working my way through the chapter exercises and find them illuminating and healing.)
4. The possibility, hope and expansive energy surrounding the Inauguration tomorrow. (Welcome, President Obama!)
5. The Journal Prompt series from poet Sarah Busse on Pewaukee, Wisconsin-based writer Kris Babe's Writing Babe blog. (I am also enjoying Kris's writing-centered musings, including her three-part interview with writer and University of Wisconsin faculty member Laurel Yourke on Common Fiction mistakes.)
6. Brene Brown's wise, comforting and expansive CD lecture on the Gifts of Imperfect Parenting. (CD is currently sold out, but website says more will be available in mid-January. One of the best and most empowering lectures I have ever heard on not just parenting, but living into our fullness. Buy this!) I also adore Brene's blog, Ordinary Courage. (her tagline: "adventures in truth-telling, soul-making and twinkle-lighting." Love that!) And this quote that is on her website captures how I want to be in the world:
(Image from Brene Brown's website, brenebrown.com)
7. Reading through my husband's issues of Esquire magazine. (Why, oh why, can't there be a women's magazine that includes such a brilliant mix of fashion, practical tips, relationship advice and celebrities with great writing and design?) Especially loving the January 2009 theme: What I've Learned. (Two favs: From composer Philip Glass: "You practice and you get better. It's very simple." From Clint Eastwood: "Children teach you that you can still be humbled by life, that you learn something new all the time That's the secret to life really — never stop learning.")
Reader Comments (1)
Shannon,
Amen to Esquire. I read it for the first time when I was preparing an author profile I wrote a while back. He contributes to Esquire, so I picked up an issue. I've read it since for exactly the same reason you cite--that brilliant mix. And the tone of informing without preaching or talking down.
I wonder what it would take to convince a publisher that you don't have to reinforce women's insecurities to get them to buy magazines?
Grace's picture is gorgeous. Clearly, she's inherited some of your creativity.
thanks for your nice comments on the blog. I can't wait to share a link to this post with Sarah.
:-)
Kris