Art and Soul (Pam Grout)

I LOVE this book. I love it. Did I mention I love it? I randomly happened across this at the library and am tickled by the synchronicity of doing so. The book is chock full of joy, reality, whimsy, inspiration...

Based on the premise of delving into life via tidbits given over 53 weeks (i.e. 53 chapters), the author has an amazing way of weaving bursts of wisdom into "real-life" scenarios. From endings at each chapter, ("You're in Good Company!" describing well-known peoples' struggles & quirks, such as "Richard Bach's 10,000-word story about a soaring seagull was rejected eighteen times before macmillan finally published it in 1970. By 1975, it had sold more than seven million copies in the United States alone.), fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter, ("The role of the artist is not to find solutions, but to compel us to love life in all its countless, inexhaustible manifestations"-Leo Tolstoy), and "More Fun Stuff" to do throughout ("Have a fifteen-minute conversation with your body", "Clip coupons for things you don't want and leave them on shelves near the products", "Rent your favority Disney cartoon and eat gummy worms")....it is a constant source of fun and suggestions to adding oomph to life.

It is copyrighted in 2000 so a bit of an older book, but still available. (Several copies on Amazon for right around $2 !!) Visit the library, spend the equivalent of a Starbucks visit on Amazon,...just take a minute to check it out. Or contact me - I'll be buying at least one copy and am happy to get you another. :)

Now. Go. Live. Have Fun.

The Small, Powerful Ways of Kindness

I just blogged on my other site (lifeunity.blogspot.com) how other people's small and seemingly insignificant acts of niceness have made a big difference in my life recently. I love this and, consequently, am trying to be inspired to infuse this niceness throughout my life.

There are many others out there who share this spirit and provide a delicious spark of inspiration and good-feelings in my heart. Take just a minute to check out some of these sites:

www.operationnice.com (I've been following her blog for a bit - Melissa is an amazing woman who seemingly intuitively knows how to go the extra step.)

www.secretagentlinpgh.blogspot.com (Just discovered this one and am so inspired by the anonymous acts. I'm already thinking how to use my own creative crafting to get started on my own!)

There are so many more, but the kids call. I need to heed my own advice and be nice to them.

Under the Sun cafe offers a different way to worship | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Under the Sun cafe offers a different way to worship IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star

Posted using ShareThis

I love this idea and have often thought of trying to get something like this together. This seems like a great way to integrate worship and friendship (both having the same goals of growing closer, no?!). I don't call myself a Christian / Methodist but am anxious to attend one of these services. It seems as though the environment would be inviting, and Christianity (with its many denominations) holds many valuable messages from which any of us could benefit.

Thoughts?

Start At Your Own Feet

Once again, Karen Maezen Miller hits home with me.

Check out her recent blog at Shambhala Sun:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/sunspace/?p=11372

There is nothing like encouragement to bring the esoterical practices that are far too often kept between church hours or only during meditation practice to everyday, mundane life.

No excuses, no escapes. Life is right now; every moment is another chance to experience love, kindness, and breath-full being.