1. Poetry is everywhere
All you have to do is to step aside and marvel at the beauty around you.
2. Inspired
One of the South African writers I read, Cornelia Fick, asks in her post Reading to feed your writing “Which books have inspired your writing journey?” All I can say is that I always remind myself, when I’m reading books (and also genres I don’t even intend to write in) that reading and writing fuel each other. But more importantly, the question makes me think hard about my comp authors, when it comes to fiction.
3. My gratitude journal is overflowing
Talking about writers who read others, I’m humbled by this unique and sterling review of my chap, From the Depths of Darkness, by Magaly Guerrero; a writer who is generous and supports my writings on the blogs and beyond. Many thanks, Maga!
4. On creative restlessness
It’s a kind of difficult to explain what this “restlessness” is. But I, at least, know where it stems from.
5. Living in the age of apps
“I don’t do yoga,” I’ve always said. But lately, I’ve been experience joint stiffness with all the sitting and hunched over the computer all day. I was thinking aloud about finding a yoga class, when one young fellow team member responded, “Forget the class, try this yoga app instead.” While I was skeptical about a yoga app, I decided to try it out. And I’m impressed!
So, I have to ask, are you using any cool app that makes your life easier? I’d love to hear about it.
Wishing you a wonderful and restful weekend!
Occasionally, I share five random things I’m reading, watching, doing and thinking about. You’re most welcome to join the conversation.
Oooo pretty trees where you are! I’m loving the brilliance of autumn this year! On the app front, I loath yoga – but running is my zen. I use the Zombies, run! app (have for many years) and I just enjoy the heck out of it. It gives me extra incentive to go run.
On the creative side, I have so many ideas it sometimes gets overwhelming. And then I have to think to myself that I only have so much time on this earth, so what ideas are worth the investment and which ones are simply a nod and pass? I sometimes find myself so overwhelmed with life, that the restlessness makes my skin itch because I’m unable to execute any – or perhaps just the smallest one instead of the one I want. It’s a living, breathing adversary sometimes. Yet, I have had many people say how lucky we are to be cursed with myriad ideas and the ability to execute them. So, there’s that too!
Oh yes, autumn has been brilliant this side too. But we had a huge storm last night that blew almost all those beautiful leaves off the trees. And that means November is Coming; a month that is NOT my favourite, with the dark and no snow. 🙁
I’m not too crazy about yoga as well, but I need to work on flexibility and this app impressed me a lot. I love that I can practise my moves at home without embarrassing myself at some yoga class being an old beginner. 🙂 Your Zombies app sounds like a real motivator for runners. I must say this app era is interesting.
Regarding creativity, you make a good point “I only have so much time on this earth, so what ideas are worth the investment and which ones are simply a nod and pass?” It’s both a blessing and curse to have these myriads of ideas. It can be overwhelming, but at the same time one cannot rush creativity. So, I’m trying to breath and refocus on those pursuits worth the investment of my time. Thank you Kyra for this valuable input!
In this yoga-crazed world, I’m glad to learn I’m not the only one who doesn’t love it so much. Also, in my work as a counsellor/life coach, I specialize in working with gifted adults. This overflowing of ideas is a hallmark characteristic that most have to create innovative ways to organize and harness. One of the biggest challenges with one of the greatest rewards. I find that gratitude journals naturally overflow when one focuses and, as you say, marvels at the beauty all around. Magaly is, for sure, one of the most beautiful! And she has a lovely way with words regarding your lovely way with words.
All things are poetry, indeed! And you certainly show us just how.
I’m glad you liked the review. I enjoyed your words so very much.
Don’t speak to me about too many ideas. I’ve been struggling with trying to focus on just one things these days. Some days having an eternally overactive imagination can be quite the job.
I just an app that reminds me to move every 1 hour and 13 minutes. If not, I might find myself writing until my hands go numb. Technology can be for the body. 😀
Hm, maybe I should try a little yoga. I usually do 13 minutes on my trampoline or treadmill (every time that app reminds me to get off bottom).
Fall does give the poetic mind lots of inspiration to work with. My own Bucks Country is looking rather lovely.
Although fantasy is a favorite, I enjoy reading in lots of different genres. You are right that reading and writing fuel each other. I find I learn a lot when I step outside my preferred genre too.
Woot! Congrats on the lovely write up.
Piggybacking on what you and Kyra were saying…bwahahahahahahahahaha…OMG, so much this! I came to the sad realization I didn’t have enough time on earth to learn everything, then I came to the realization, that really wasn’t a bad thing since it let me appreciate the artistry of those creating things that I didn’t have the time to and enjoy it that much more. I became grateful for their sacrifice of time to create things I like.
I’m using Doulingo to learn Japanese. I would advise against that being the only way to learn Japanese (having a good textbook on hand to explain the grammar rules is a must), but I’ve learned a decent amount this way. I use Cozi to organize my family’s time (and keep track of who is going where in a format they’ll actually look at).
I know about yoga-crazed world. It’s probably the reason I shied away from yoga. But I certainly can see its benefits. I think I’ll become a closet yogini. 🙂
It’s the first time I’ve heard the word “gifted” used to describe an adult. I had to look up what makes a gifted adult…lol! But your work as a life coach is admirable, and sometimes I feel like I can do with one. Nonetheless, I hope you also plan or thinking about putting a book together regarding your work with gifted adults. I have feeling it might be an interesting read and I could learn a lot.
As for Magaly, she is most beautiful indeed, and generous with her time in support of other creatives. One the best gifts as a writer is to have support from my peers. Many thanks go to you, too.
Sometimes poetry can present itself in a visual form, and autumn has mastered this display. I certainly love and grateful for this review. Thank you for reading me always.
I knew you’d understand about overactive imagination. It can definitely be a lot to handle. But as Kyra had put it in her comment, we need to ask ourselves “What ideas are worth the investment?” and find ways to focus on those. But this is easier said than done. I really hope you regain your focus.
Hey, that’s a seriously cool app. What is it called? I certainly could benefit from a reminder to move away from my desk now and again. Yoga is worth a try. You could even alternate it your trampoline/treadmill days. And yeah, I’ll say it again, living in the era of apps is interesting. Have fun with them! 😀
Autumn is certainly a season that inspires. Would love to see how beautiful your world looks, I perhaps need to catch up on Instagram. As for reading, I can say the same “I learn a lot when I step outside my preferred genre too.”
About the write-up, thank you. I’m quite chuffed about it. 🙂
About creative restlessness, a huge grin just formed on my face as I hear your laughter from across the ocean…lol! It’s quite a relief to hear that I’m not the only one struggling with this overactive imagination. But you also add a valid point regarding not having enough time to do it all, and instead appreciate the artistry of others. This is me with the art of drawing and illustrating, I feel exactly this way. You could say I’m a writer obsessed with visual artists.
Regarding learning a language through an app, I agree with your observation. For me, when learning a new language I need all what a textbook can give and also practicing oral skills with native speakers. But Cozi, I can see myself using it, and probably with Google Calendar. Love most apps I’ve heard about so far!
I just love the Autumn season, there is beauty everywhere … we just need to take time and look!
Wonderful colour in your photograph.
I don’t use apps … I’m a little old fashioned LOL!
Many of my friends enjoy yoga, but they go to classes.
Enjoy these last few days of October.
All the best Jan
It’s called Stand Up!
Beautiful.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you, I’ll give it a try. 🙂
Thank you so much Jan. Last night, we had our first snowfall but it won’t last. It is though certainly a reminder to enjoy the last bit of October. I hope yours is still bright and colourful!
Khaya, I love these random five things in your life! Congratulations on the review and I bet you’re still smiling! It’s such a boost … to ones writing, creativity… just knowing the connection has been made! Your autumn photo is so pretty and I love how they are all synchronised in the colours … here autumn is out of kilter, some trees still fully green, others half russet, some no leaves at all! Makes it interesting though! Yeah! Glad the yoga app is working for you! They are great and I used one for a few months … until it reached hard level! It was soothing and I enjoyed the relaxation at the end. It does wonders for calming the mind!
Hope you’re having a lovely week! 😀
Hi Annika! Regarding the review, I’m still smiling for sure! And as you put it, just know a connection has been made is rewarding.
It’s always a nerve-racking exercise to introduce a new category on my blog, even though “random fives” are still related to writing and creativity at large. So, I’m really grateful for your feedback regarding these posts, it’s really good to know that readers are enjoying them.
Yeah, the photo is suppose to depict all this restlessness and I thought playing with colours might help communicate this overactive imagination phase. Interesting about giving up on the yoga app, when it came to a hard level. I wonder if I’ll follow suit too. Because I feel that yoga is not easy though it looks so (and elegant) when watching others do it. We’ll see.
Thank you so much for reading. Enjoy what is left of autumn, for winter is coming! 😀
Hey Khaya!! How are you? I see I have a lot to catch up on. Love your random thoughts and your photos. Enjoy your day!
Hi Steph! Lovely to see you here. Thank you for dropping by and reading. 🙂
It feels so good to refocus my attention here on WordPress.
And YAY I’m so glad you’re back. 😀 I’ve taken a step back myself from other social media platforms. Not only are conversations shallow, I simply can’t keep up.
Oh my goodness, yes!! I get so frustrated reading some of the nonsensical comment threads and the funny thing is no one is listening they are only shouting at one another. The blogging community is so civil I’d much rather spend my time here.