Are books becoming the new 8-track?

June 14, 2009 By

Today, I was flipping through a Real Simple magazine and saw a full-page ad for Kindle, a wireless device available from Amazon that allows you to download books, magazines and newspapers. It’s sort of like an iPod for your reading material.

I get it. The Kindle seems really cool. I understand why some people would love it. And I’m not saying that I would never, ever, ever buy one for myself…

But…

Am I the only one out there to who prefers to hold a book in her hands? I want to feel the pages between my fingers. I dog-ear, underline, flip ahead and flip back. I can see where I am in the story, where I’ve been and how far I have left to go. I’m obviously aware that blogging allows me to publish my writing in an instant (so awesome) but many times, I start with pen and paper… I have to step away from the keyboard and computer screen to get in the creative flow and allow the muse to take shape.

I am not anti-technology. I’m a big fan of finding new ways to save time, energy and space. But the Kindle makes me wonder what’s to come. I remember feeling a hint of sadness when Millennium Music in downtown Charleston closed. They’re now doing business as an online store. No more standing in the aisles wearing a set of huge headphones, listening to CD’s and contemplating the purchase of the acoustic version of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. So sad.

Are bookstores the next to go? I understand times change. I no longer sit on the floor of the neighborhood Book Bag browsing through Judy Blume books. Instead, I sip on a latte and cozy up in a comfy chair at Barnes & Noble.

I buy books online, too. And if I had a Kindle, I could download my purchase in about a minute. But, really, I don’t mind waiting a couple days for the hard copies to arrive. When I hear the delivery truck, I rush to the door. I tear open the cardboard packaging like it’s Christmas morning.

I’ll never forget the day I stood in line holding a stack of books written by Sue Monk Kidd, happily waiting for her to scrawl her signature across the front pages. I wonder what she would do if someone said, “Hey Sue, would you sign my Kindle?” I imagine she’d ask if anyone had a Sharpie. But it’s not the same.

I commented to my husband, “What’s next? Wall art and famous paintings rotating on giant plasma TVs?”  He told me Bill Gates has something like that.

Am I a member of a dying breed? Am I becoming one of those people who will say, “Back in my day we had BOOKS! You young people don’t know what you’re missing!”

Speak to me, friends.

Oh, one more thing– coming up this Tuesday (Wednesday if you get updates via email)– my conversation with author Katherine Center. You’ll love her insights on finding the beauty in life’s imperfections. Stay tuned!

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Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: , ,

Living on dreams and spaghettiO’s

June 9, 2009 By

Ever since I unveiled the new theme and format for my blog in early May, I have been amazed and humbled by the response. It’s like a whole new world has opened up for me; I finally have a platform to express my authentic self, and I am making meaningful connections with phenomenal individuals.

“Jennie B in SC” is no exception. I met Jennie… wait for it… on Twitter. Seriously. I was skeptical to open myself up to another form of social media, and so far, I’ve been really selective about who I follow on Twitter and who I allow to follow me. But when Jennie connected with me, I knew she was someone I wanted to get to know. She describes herself as a “mid-twenties sassy Steel Magnolia who is a Dreamer till the end.  A budding young writer who truly is living on dreams and spaghettios, and the occasional frozen pizza or two.”

guns-blazinI visited her blog and was hooked. Maybe it’s her penchant for Starbucks , Earth, Wind and Fire (Do you remember…?), or that pistol she wears around her neck to celebrate the memory of her dad.

Recently, Jennie allowed me to pick her brain:

Angie: I’m gonna get right down to the deep stuff. What are your passions?

Jennie: I have three main passions in life:  writing, dancing and life itself.  I’ve always been writing something, ever since I can remember.  Since I learn a thing or two from everyone I meet, I figured someone, somewhere, might learn a thing or two from what I write.  I’ve always felt that I have something to share and a desire to let it out.  I have aspirations of writing a book. I’ve started…it is a rough start…but it is started.  I write a lot about things that have happened to me and close friends and how this shapes life and the lessons learned.  I don’t like restricting my writing to certain topics because I love digging in and learning about something new, no matter what it is, so I generally characterize my writing as Life Writing.  I’m a thriving and developing life-ologist.  If that makes sense!

Angie: Right now, you are pursuing your passions while holding down a “day job.” If you could do anything you wanted and get paid for it, what would that be?

Jennie: My perfect career / lifestyle would be absolute freedom to go wherever, whenever and sit and write about whatever.  I know that sounds like a lofty aspiration (the phrase pipe dream is often thrown out there), BUT I know someday it will happen. How? I’ll figure that one out later. I just have a feeling it will.  :)

Angie: Writing is my passion, too, and it has taken me 34 years to really “own” that truth. I love connecting with other writers and sharing stories about the creative process. So what inspires you to write?

Jennie: It’s my passion for life and the freedom I feel when the pen touches down on paper and my thoughts spill from line to line. It’s the luxury of escaping reality to visit my dreams (job, vacation, car, life, etc.) and write them into existence.  The safety of releasing my fears, inhibitions and hesitations to a non-partial medium so that they no longer clutter my mind.  The legacy which is left behind for loved ones and the world to read for years to come.

I’m not perfect.  I’m just an ordinary girl riding the waves of life and trying to make sense of it all.  When that pen touches down…it’s no holds barred.  That excitement is something I love sharing with my readers. It’s so incredible for me, and I want them to experience it and ignite their passion for life as well.

Angie: Jennie, thank you for your time. ”See” you soon in the blogosphere, Twitterville or a neighborhood Starbucks. :)

You can support Jennie B in SC and share your insights and thoughts by visiting her blog.

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Filed Under: Guest Bloggers, Redefining Success Tagged With: ,

Age is relative, life is right now

May 19, 2009 By

Many thanks to those who submitted comments on Facebook, here on the blog, and on the Post and Courier’s website, after reading my guest column in the Moxie section.

Here’s what some of you had to say:

“After turning 60 this year, I will admit to having some ‘I am REALLY old’ moments, but I was happy to be reminded that age is relative and of the importance of redeeming the time. ‘This is day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.’”

“It touched me when I read your Grandmother died at 55. That is my age and I feel like I still have so much life left to live.”

“You are right on target. Age is relative. I’ll be 73 years old on June 14th and I’m still running marathons.”

“Thanks so much for helping me recognize the gift of a quiet Sunday morning.”

“Usually I am watching the clock and ready to run out the door at the appointed hour. Today I tried to count the raindrops as I walked to the car. I purposely stepped in a few puddles instead of taking the long way. I will only get this day, this minute, this moment once. I need to take more time to take it all in, because my mind and body will be in a different place in an hour and certainly tomorrow. Thank you for reminding me to just be.”

I did receive one email from a gentleman who was concerned that, because I’m such an advocate for living in the present moment, I believe “this is all there is.” For the record, I don’t. I do, however, like to leave enough openness in my writing for you to find ways to apply it to your own life.

This morning, the cast of the Cosby show was on “Today.” That sitcom did an amazing job in helping dissolve racial stereotypes. It was so real, and we responded to its authenticity. During the interview, Matt Lauer asked the cast if they helped pave the way for Barack Obama to become President.  While recognizing the show’s positive impact, they were quick not to take the credit. Phylicia Rashad responded this way, “I think what the show does… is clearly demonstrate that people are much more alike than we could ever be different, and given the opportunity we are willing and wanting to embrace the likeness.”

This is why I write. I love how one person’s story can resonate with so many people. How the written word can easily dissolve barriers that divide us– we realize we may be more connected and alike than we think.

So I welcome your words, your comments, and your reactions to my perspectives. Your insights deepen and add value to the conversation.

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Filed Under: Balancing Act, Redefining Success, Writing Tagged With: ,

So moxie…

May 15, 2009 By

Moxie: the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage

If you happen across a Charleston Post and Courier today, be sure to check out the Moxie section. I am proud to be featured as this week’s guest columnist.

Click here to read: “Age is relative… life is right now.”

Let me and the ladies at Moxie know what you think.

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: ,

What’s your perfect day?

May 7, 2009 By

Recently I posted an unofficial survey on Facebook asking, “What’s your perfect day?” The question was inspired by my 3-year-old, who told me his perfect day was “playing trains and crashing trucks.” The answers began pouring in:

“Cooking something (outside) over a real fire.”

“Working in the garden, then cooking on the grill.”

“A day at the beach: sun on my face, breeze through my hair and good music playing on the radio.” Several friends concurred.

I couldn’t help but notice the common theme– being outside, doing what we love, spending time with those we care about. What I imagine makes “a perfect day” has a lot to do with how we are feeling while we’re doing whatever it is we’re doing. I would venture to guess that many of us feel relaxed, at peace, fulfilled and a sense of freedom when we are having a perfect day.

Here are some things we definitely aren’t feeling: tired, stressed and a sense of obligation.

When I was contemplating leaving a stressful job six years ago, someone asked me to imagine my perfect day. I immediately saw images of me doing work that I loved. I saw myself pecking on a keyboard, writing inspiring stories. I also saw myself working as a personal trainer, teaching women about health and wellness. I also noticed that when I saw these things, all my stress melted away. I immediately felt free.

Both of those visions have come to pass. I’m still pecking on my keyboard, but I’m no longer a personal trainer. Recently, when I was working with a life coach she helped me see that what we do is not as important as the essence of what we do. I’m happiest in my career when I’m being creative, inspiring and yes, even entertaining an audience. Bottom line, I enjoy doing work that has a postive impact on other human beings. The details and the labels are not as important as the essence.

When you’re having a perfect day, be sure to capture the essence– what makes it feel so perfect? Understanding what makes us feel great and why it makes us feel great both serve as helpful clues as we navigate our lives.

So tell me, what’s your perfect day? And why?

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Filed Under: Balancing Act Tagged With: , , ,

What’s the Worst Thing That Can Happen?

February 13, 2009 By
Note to the reader: Moments after I posted this blog entry, where I reference my own fear of flying, I learned of this morning’s plane crash in NY that killed 50 people. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families. This tragedy further illustrates that sometimes things happen we can’t explain– we have all experienced tragedies and loss that break our hearts, that shake us to the core. This is my wish for myself and all you who read this: While we mourn and remember those lives that are cut short, we continue to face our own fears and live our lives to the fullest.
What’s the worst thing that can happen?
I often ask myself this question before I make a decision. Then I weigh the odds: If I study for a test, odds are favorable I won’t flunk. If I prepare the coffee pot in the evening, so all I have to do is hit the start button when I wake in the morning, odds are good I’ll have my first sip of java before I’ve had the opportunity to growl at anyone.
I can do my part, but if I’m eating peanuts in coach, I certainly can’t fly the plane. I can’t stop the birds from flying into the engine. I can’t jump inside the cockpit and save the day.

But in all situations, I can pray for, hope for, and even expect, the best.

“What’s the worst thing that can happen?” I asked myself, as I planned a cross-country trip to California last month. I was traveling alone, 4 months pregnant and feeling pretty confident I had arranged a safe, smooth itinerary. I was looking forward to the writing workshop I would be attending. Still, in the back of my mind, there was this fear.

The plane could crash.

It was not my intention to die on this trip. That was NO WHERE in my travel plans. I looked at the odds. There was always a chance, albeit a slim one, the plane would plummet towards the dirt. That shook me a little. But this trip was important to me, and so I reconciled it was worth the risk.

Living a full, meaningful life involves a certain degree of risk. We don’t have to dive off buildings like Batman to understand it’s rough out there. When we expose ourselves, open our hearts and make decisions that shake up the status quo, we always risk getting hurt.

But what happens when we play it safe? What do we risk then?

“What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Someone I respect and admire asked me this, years ago, as I agonized over whether to change careers and venture into the scary unknown world of disapproval and well, scary things. Her question challenged me to examine the source of my fear. Fear can be a powerful bully, and it’s often rooted in insecurity. That’s the moment I realized what causes me to worry and feel afraid is very rarely something that can actually harm me.

Here’s an example:

“If I go to the beach without sunscreen, I’m afraid I’ll get a sun burn.”

Yes, the sun can burn us. But is there any real reason to be afraid of it? When we take a closer look, we discover we have many options:

  1. I think I’ll stay inside today.
  2. I’ll hide in the shadows of a big umbrella, slather on SPF 180 and stay out for no more than 20 minutes.
  3. I’m going to wear SPF 30 and a hat and get outside and play. My nose may get a little pink, but it’s a beautiful day!
  4. What the heck? Fry me up like a catfish! Who needs sunscreen anyway?-OR-
  5. I haven’t decided where I stand on this issue. May I have a little more time to think about it and get back to you?

See all the choices we have? And what’s the risk associated with each? That depends on what matters most to you. You have to decide if it’s more important to be vigilant about sun damage or to get outside and play. Or if you think both are equally important, and so you find a healthy compromise.

Decide what’s important to you. Weigh your options. Assess your risk. And then go fly! Live your life. Pray like crazy and summon every angel you know. But do yourself a favor and leave your fear on the tarmac.

Filed Under: Redefining Success Tagged With: , , ,

WOW!

February 3, 2009 By

Those who follow me on Facebook know that I recently traveled to California for a two-day writing workshop. I can’t thank my dear friend and colleague, Denise Turner, enough for mentioning the workshop on her blog. It got my attention immediately. The workshop creator is a genius, coming up with a clever name that I just couldn’t resist. Are you ready?

Write the Damn Book.

Isn’t that great? Those who know me understand that my blog is clean, and I never use “cuss” words. But I figured if Rhett Butler can say it, why can’t I? Besides, the brains behind the workshop, Mary Reynolds Thompson, is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. I had been procrastinating, thinking of a million reasons to delay what I have been talking about for years. She made it really simple. Just write the damn book.

Sometimes things are meant to be. The opportunity to fly cross-country to attend the workshop fell into my lap. It stood there staring at me, all doors open, not one roadblock in sight. We even had Sky Miles to pay for my flight! News about the workshop appeared just hours after I had gotten really honest with myself. I was on the phone with my mom one morning, and I told her, “I need to do this (write). I want to do this. But I’m scared. I’m afraid of opening the box. I’m afraid of getting lost in my thoughts.” What will happen if I finally did what my soul has been calling me to do all along?

And with that honesty, I got my answer. Write the damn book.

At the workshop, I experienced one of those rare moments when everything turns out exactly as I had hoped it would… and it was even better! There was such a profound connection between this group of twelve strangers; we each had creative breakthroughs and accomplished some amazing work during our time together.

I don’t know how long it will take, or exactly where this journey will lead, but you have my commitment that I’m am now, once and for all– you guessed it, writing the damn book.

There. I’ve said it out loud.

I hope this inspires you in some way to begin the thing you’ve been putting off. If your soul is speaking to you– don’t stress, don’t over analyze, don’t worry about how it’s going to work out. Just begin. I leave you with this poem by Mary Oliver our instructor shared with the class:

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice
–though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do
–determined to save
the only life you could save.

~ Mary Oliver ~ (Dream Work)

Filed Under: Redefining Success, Writing Tagged With: , ,
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