the deliberate life

What I'm Reading

It’s no secret that I’m a big reader. I’ve always known how much I love reading, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how important reading and books are to me. They’re essential to my well-being. Before art, before crafting, books are my true love (other than Kevin, of course).

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal on Goodreads to read 50 books this year. (Side note: Do you use Goodreads? Though I’ve had an account for years, it wasn’t until last year that my love affair with it began.) So far, I’ve read 12 books in 2013, which means I’m on track to meet my goal. Here are a few that have really stood out.

 

When Autumn Leaves by Amy S. Foster I have a soft spot for books with a touch of magic in them. I discovered this when I first began reading books by Sarah Addison Allen, who is known for her style of magical realism style of writing. When Autumn Leaves is just an enchanting book. It's not fine literature, but it made me feel very warm and cozy, and I love that in a book. 

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt A complete contrast to When Autumn Leaves, this book will not make you feel warm and cozy. It will make you sad. It will make you cry ugly tears. It will make you say, "Damn, that's a good book." It's the coming-of-age story of an awkward 14-year-oldl girl dealing with losing her uncle to AIDs. Such a haunting story, it's stayed with me for some time now.

An Abundance of Katherines  by John Green I fell in love with John Green after reading The Fault in our Stars (if you haven't read it, you need to) and have been on a mission to read everything by him. This book is lighter than The Fault in our Stars, which deals with children and cancer, but still a wonderful read. It is the story of Colin, a prodigy, who has been dumped 19 times, all by girls named Katherine. Being the prodigy that he is, he figures he can find a mathematical way to predict how successful a relationship will be. This book has laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to John Green's fantastic sense of humor. 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak This book was recommended to me by countless people. Because everyone loved it so much, I was worried that it wouldn't live up to its hype. Oh, but it did live up to it, and then some. The story is narrated by Death, and tells the story of a girl growing up in Nazi Germany. Again, I cried big, ugly tears (probably partly because the book was over). I couldn't recommend this book more. 

As I continue my quest to reach my goal of 50 books by year's end, I'd love to hear what you're reading! Or, if you've read any of these books, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them! 

 

Desire to Inspire

You may have heard some of the buzz on the Internet. It’s finally time to celebrate the upcoming launch of Christine Mason Miller’s new book, Desire to Inspire. I was so honored and humbled when Christine first asked me to be among one of 20 contributors. I spied the names of everyone else and couldn’t help but question myself. Me? What did I have to offer? I guess the title of the book says what I had: the desire to inspire, the desire to guide others in creating a meaningful life. The book isn’t out yet, but a sneak peek is available on Amazon. It’s a beautiful book, and I’d think that even if I wasn’t a part of it.

            It sounds silly since I’m an editor, but to be a part of an actual book, to see my face on the back cover and my art and words are on display … it’s really too great of feeling to put into words. My passion has always been books, and to actually be in one? Wow. I can’t express it. And I can't express my gratitude to Christine for seeing something in me and inviting me to be a part of what's sure to be an inspirational book for so many.

            I’ll be joining Christine and many of the other contributors at the official launch party on December 15^th. If you’re in the LA-area, I’d love to see your happy faces there. You’ll also want to visit Christine’s blog each day as she counts down to the release with interviews and giveaways.

The Artist Unique: An Interview With Carmen Torbus

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm participating in a really great project that was inspired by The Artist Unique by Carmen Torbus. Though we had no set deadline to finish the project, I feel incredibly guilty about how long it's taken me to finish it. My polymer clay project is underway, and you'll see it later this week. Right now, I wanted to share a little interview I was able to do with Carmen. I hope you enjoy it. I find her incredibly inspiring.

When did you first realize you wanted to inspire and support your fellow artists?

 

I’ve always been a cheerleader - the burning desire to support those I believe in, offering encouragement and inspiration has always been there. It is just part of who I am. That said, prior to one random day at a bookstore in early 2008, I didn’t really know any artists.  

 

The moment I picked up a copy of Artful Blogging from that bookstore shelf, I knew that I had to explore mixed media art myself and I knew I had to reach out to the specific artists in the magazine that I was drawn to. I could not wait to get to a computer so I could get to their blogs and tell them how amazing they are! They inspired me so much, I had to learn more about them. Absolutely had to, and I'm so glad I did.

 

They have inspired me over and over and I hope I’ve been able to return the favor to them and to others who are seeking encouragement and inspiration on their creative journeys.  A few of the artists from that issue have become dear friends and I’m incredibly honored to be able to say they’re contributors to my new book.  

 

There are so many wonderful artists out there, how do you keep from comparing yourself to others? How do you stay focused on your own path?

 

The truth is I often fail miserably at this. Thank goodness I have a few wonderful friends I can reach out to when I need support and encouragement. I’ve found it be incredibly helpful to keep moving, continue creating and give myself permission to go with my instincts. Over and over.

 

What does it mean to you to have a book - a real, hold-in-your-hands, buy-at-the-bookstore book?

 

It’s totally surreal. More than anything, it’s proof to myself that I can put a dream out into the world, take steps towards it, ask for support, collaboration and help, then watch it take shape and become reality. It is tangible, hold in my hands, proof. It's motivation for me to continue dreaming, embracing vulnerability and taking risks.

 

What is the one message you want to send to the art community?

 

It is completely ok to be who you are creatively and even more ok to shout it from the rooftops.  It’s also ok to ask for what you need - support, encouragement, advise, help or guidance. It’s ok to share what you know - there is enough to go around.      

 

What five words of advice would you give to someone who is battling a creative rut?

 

Grab a brush & paint something.

 

Thank you again Carmen, for producing such a great book, for being such an inspiration, and for all of the support you've given me throughout the years.

On Where I Am

Time feels like it's flying by so quickly. Busy work days spill over into busy work nights. It's left me doing a lot of sitting quietly and trying to get it to slow down just a tad. That means spending just about any minute I can completely unplugged. Busy as ever, but happier than ever. I'll take it.

I thought I'd give everyone a little look into something I've been working on - something giving me so much joy right now.

Do you have The Artist Unique by Carmen Torbus yet? If not, you really should pick it up. I was fortunate to be asked by Carmen to be a part of a fun little project involving the book. The premise? A few artists Christine Mason Miller , Mary Anne Radmacher , Liz Kalloch, and myself would pick one of the great techniques in The Artist Unique and create something using it. The catch? It was to be given to someone as a gift. We also were to ask Carmen a series of questions and share her insights on our blog. Wait 'til you see what we talked about it. It was great!

I haven't finished my gift yet, but I did spend the evening writing a review for The Artist Unique for the September/October issue of Somerset Studio. I thought I'd share a bit of it here:

The first time I ever worked with Carmen Torbus was on an article for Artful Blogging. Right away, I knew she was something special. Her enthusiasm for her own art, and for others’ art was refreshing. A little over a year after that initial contact I was lucky enough to meet her at The Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis. Again, I was impressed and inspired by her spirit. Being around her made me instantly feel supported and encouraged.

            Words cannot adequately describe how excited I was for The Artist Unique to come out. I had known for some time she was working on it, and I knew it was bound to be a hit. And a hit it is.

I'm hoping to get the project done within the next few days so I can share it with you. I'll give you a hint: it involves something i'm terrified of working with. Polymer clay!

Oh, and I forgot to add another reason I'm such a fan of Carmen's ... we're birthday twins! :)

A Gift from a Kindred Spirit

In my position, I'm blessed to be able to connect and get to know artists who I have so much in common with. Like so many other artists, I grew up feeling a bit different from my friends because my interests varied so much. Ever since beginning at Stampington, I feel like I'm connecting with "my kind of people." Everyone I've gotten to know is truly fascinating and each has a unique story of their own to tell.

    One such artist who I've been able to get to know is Samantha Kira Harding, better known as Kira. When I was managing Art Journaling, I was blown away when her journals appeared on my desk. Her journaling is raw, heartfelt, and colorful. Through e-mail, I've gotten to know her, and she is just as wonderful as her journals. So imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox and saw a package from her. What was in it?

 

First, this fantastic custom card. Isn't it adorable? I LOVE silhouettes, so naturally I love this.

 

But the true treasure is this handmade journal. She couldn't have picked out a more perfect print for the cover if I had picked it out myself. And when I opened it, my heart was warmed by the message she shared.

Thank you Kira. Of course for the gift, but also for supporting me, and believing in me.

I urge you to go to her blog, where you can watch her outstanding videos and see her latest work.

Oh, Youth ...

There are very few people who I'm able to describe my relationship with books to. When you're a book lover, you're one through and through, and there's no denying or hiding it. Each book you devour becomes a part of you, a part of the blueprint of who you are.

I learned to read at an early age. My mom can't remember if I was 3 or 4, but can vividly remember how hooked I was. From the moment I first picked up a book, I couldn't put them down, and that passion has only deepened with age. I can recall (with detail) the books which affected me and helped me become who I am today.

Who am I? I'm a bit Harriet the Spy crossed with a bit of Kristy Thomas. There's a hint of Amelia Bedelia mixed with just a tad Laura Ingalls. There's a touch of Emma Woodhouse and a dash of Isabel Archer. When a book touches me, it gets to my very core. And it's magical.

There have been so many authors, so many great authors, who I've thought were speaking straight to me, but no author has done that so as much as Judy Blume. If you get to know me, you'll see some Sally J. Friedman, crossed with Deenie and Linda, with a dash of Stephanie and Sheila. How did Judy know me so well?

After diving into Everything I Need to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, I realize just how many girls felt the exact same way as me. Her books seem to find me at just the right time in my life, when I needed them most. Judy had the power to make us feel normal, even at the most awkward stages of our lives.  And today, as I was reading one of the contributors' reflections on friendship, I found myself brought to tears, nodding along with what she had to say.

I've always believed that you seek out the books you need in that particular time of your life, whether you realize it or not. And I firmly believe that I need this book at this very second in my life. I need to reflect on the girl that I was, and realize I was normal, even if I felt like a complete mutant while growing up. And I need to thank Judy Blume for helping me grow into the woman I've become.

An Ideal Saturday

It really is the ideal Saturday morning. Quiet. Peaceful. I was so excited when this book came yesterday. If you don't follow Molly Wizenberg's blog , you really should. Delicious food, wonderful stories and beautiful pictures - what more could you really want?

As times get increasingly tough in the world and people don't have as much money to go out to dinner, or splurge on a weekend away, I find I'm turning more to food and home making blogs. Because really, what is better than a warm home filled with good food and even better friends?

I Like You

In an effort to cut back on my spending, I've been frequenting the library a lot. I really enjoy these little trips. It's best not to get me started on my library soapbox . (Free! They let you check out books for free!) It's safe to say I love libraries. A whole lot.

Today, during my lunch break I decided it was time to make a visit, and I'm so glad I did. When looking at non-fiction, I usually cruise the aisles waiting for something to jump out at me. Today, something jumped out at me that I had whole-heartedly intended to buy, but never did, for some reason.

I LOVE the Sedaris family. They may be my favorite celebrity set of siblings, other than the Cusacks of course. This book by Amy Sedaris is nothing short of amazing and ridiculous at the same time. It is just so ... me! Sure, I'd love to pretend that I throw fancy dinner parties where everything matches and everything is planned out, but if you have been to one of my parties, you know I use plastic utensils and plastic cups. I love entertaining, but I'm just too busy to deal with all the frills. This book makes me feel more normal.

And in honor of Ms. Sedaris, I went window shopping on Etsy for my ideal entertaining dress.

I dare say this little vintage frock by theluckybutton is darn near perfect. Don't you?

Lose Yourself for a Bit

Watch

Listen to

Read