Story Talk, 2024 Favorites
The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries. – Descartes In Stephen King’s book On Writing, the best-selling author wrote, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time (or the tools) to write.” Here are books that enlightened me in 2024. Black Magic Brené Brown, The New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead, called Black Magic, “daring, urgent and transformative.” Here, Chad Sanders’ interviews of Black leaders, scientists, artists, activists, and champions offer strategies for Black achievement in the white, corporate world. The Boys from Biloxi From A Time to Kill to The Street Lawyer, John Grisham is part of my literary diet. In The Boys from Biloxi, children become friends playing baseball. As men, they meet again. One a death row convict. The other, an Attorney General who can prevent the execution. The Review Geek calls this page-turner a “sprawling epic.” Build the Life You Want Arthur C. Brooks’ books include Gifts of Time and Money, The Road to Freedom and From Strength to Strength. In Build the Life You Want, this collaboration with Oprah Winfrey offers “Pillars of Happiness,” which are strong connections with friends and family, meaningful work and a spiritual practice. The book also explores “The Role of Unhappiness” and more. Oath and Honor Liz Cheney’s Oath and Honor, A Memoir and a Warning, provides no-nonsense documentation of what she experienced after the United States’ 2020 presidential election. Fifty years from now, her accounts—especially concerns about the undermining of the U.S. Constitution—could describe this country’s fate, as described in lyrics from the musical Hamilton’s, “You’ll Be Back,” Oceans rise, Empires fall The Trespasser My first Tana French novel showed how a character can be developed—bit by bit—throughout an entire book. Until The Trespasser, I thought comprehensive character descriptions had to be delivered early. Here, trust in this author is rewarded by surprising revelations about why Aislinn Murray died and who killed her. The Warmth of Other Suns Isabel Wilkerson’s awesome documentary presents resonant stories of human will. “The drama, poignancy, and romance of” of four people who migrated from the Jim Crow south is heartening and must be remembered. View a short [100-second] video synopsis. Will Among the noteworthy experiences described in Will Smith’s inspirational and encouraging memoir, Jazzy Jeff opening opportunities for Smith when DeeJay skills were so important to HipHop’s birth Smith’s intent to kill his tough-love father by pushing the aged and frail man’s wheelchair down steps His moments of cowardice The Christian-inspired grandmother who called him, ‘Lover boy.’ More Honorable Mentions: Astor, by Anderson Cooper [how a family goes from rags to riches and falls] Crook Manifesto, by Colson Whitehead [a marvelous re-calling of 1970s Harlem] Golden Buddha, by Clive Cussler [an engaging adventure story] My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, by Clint Hill [a secret service agent’s warm remembrances] Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman [marvelous reminders] Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart, by Alice Walker [exquisite and evocative poetry] A huge thanks to Succeed and Soar’s 2024, the first “Authors Speak” contributors. They enriched by sharing their writing processes. Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa Barbara Jean Miller Sally Weiner Grotta Hilary Hauck Edda Fields Black Yona Harvey Jess Simms Polly McCann Comment Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Shop Succeed & Soar Art on Throw Pillows As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, posters, shower curtains and more These pillows add a stylish statement to any room. Details: Fabric: 100% spun polyester poplin Reversible, same image printed on both sides A concealed zipper Choice of over 70 background colors Removable insert can be requested Pillow sizes: 14×14, 16×16, 18×18, 20×20, 26×26 and 20×14 Prices from $20 to $50 Purchase this throw pillow See All Throw Pillows View All Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Authors Speak, The Things We’ll Never Have
Our libraries are an essential resource for our children, our communities, and our future. ~ Danielle Steel Authors Speak This Succeed and Soar series invites writers to answer questions about their artforms and special inspirations. Welcome Hilary Hauck Hilary, what phrase inspires your writing and life? Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline How have Gaiman’s words helped your writing, your life? Growing up I struggled tremendously with the feeling I was the only person who didn’t fit in. This sense of unworthiness was my dragon. I journeyed for many years before I believed in myself which is why my characters tend to be on a formidable path to beat their dragons. My dream would be to inspire readers to discover their own inner amazing, feel comfortable in their own skin, and totally rock this single chance we get at life. How these words inspired The Things We’ll Never Have The Things We’ll Never Have is the story of three women who have suffered the loss of a man they love. When their paths cross, they uncover a shocking truth that makes a mockery of how they’ve lived their lives for the person they lost, not for themselves. They must each face their inner dragons if they’re to pursue the lives they truly want and deserve. Sample Text: “Yet in my weariness, I settle for contemplating how odd it is that you don’t notice the world around you. The everyday, the sights we take for granted. We regret yesterday and how we did things, we worry about tomorrow, but when we do we give time to today?” Kirkus Review Autographed copies of Hilary’s books can be purchased HERE. About Hilary An Italian speaking Brit living in the US, Hilary Hauck is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical and fantasy fiction featuring characters struggling to find their inner amazing. Her books include From Ashes to Song, The Things We’ll Never Have, and Trevor Made Christmas stories. Through Radiant Tree Books, SucceedandSoar.com, and her Fine Art collections at SandrasArt.Pixels.com, Sandra Gould Ford creates and presents art for healing and high achievement, to lift hearts and spirits, awareness and humanity. Until midnight EST, June 1, Succeed and Soar’s first “12 Paths to Joy” series is 25% off. “Illustrated Wisdom” is Contemplative Art that is guided by the heart. It can open peaceful and inspiring spaces while: * Clarifying choices * Offering important insights * Relaxing body, mind and spirit Three versions of the beautifully illustrated, 60-page sketch journals can be previewed here: 8×10, Standard Print, Soft Cover. Regular $32.50. This week: $24.00 Preview here. 8×10, Economy Print, Soft Cover. Regular Price $21. This week: $15.50. Preview here. 5×8, Economy Print, Soft Cover. Regular Price $15. This week $11. Preview here. Shop All Books
Love is 4: Fairytale
Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale. – Melissa Brown, Picturing Perfect Today, I’ll be soaking dry cannellini beans in spring water. After they plump, I’ll cook a hearty and creamy soup. Except, a couple beans will be planted on my windowsill. There, I’ll watch to see what kind of beanstalks grow. This holiday season has been incredibly beautiful in Pittsburgh. Record snowfalls keep creating fairytale wonderlands. In one form or another, I hope the same for you. [Keep in mind Neil Gaiman’s words from Coraline. “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”] Blessings and best wishes for a new year of sunlit and lovely places where all the good you can imagine grows. Comment below. Love Lots! “In A Heartbeat,” a first crush. Click here to view 4-minute video. Which LOVE quote is matched to the right source? “Love is a friendship set to music.” ~ Shakespeare ?? “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ?? “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.“ ~ Taylor Swift ?? “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” ~ Noah Calhoun ?? — Answers Below — ***** Five versions of my “Before All Else” Illustrated Wisdom art have been created with Adobe Photoshop. See them in upcoming posts. Support and encourage Succeed and Soar. Purchase the art as prints, ready-to-display canvas or framed from my galleries. Consider starting a journal for the new year. Check Sandra’s Card Shop. More covers will be added this week. Quiz Answers “Love is a friendship set to music.” ~ Joseph Campbell “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.“ ~ Jodi Picoult “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” ~ Noah Calhoun
Life Well Lived 9: Something That Wasn’t There Before
The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something [delightful] that wasn’t there before. Neil Gaiman As promised last week, here’s my incredibly easy Artisan Bread. Because I avoid wheat, these loaves were made with flours on hand: Cassava, Tapioca, Oat and Garbanzo] Extra yeast and water was added because these flours are heavier. My Artisan Bread has a focaccia-like texture. It’s definitely tasty with butter. Also with mayo and tomatoes. I’m looking forward to trying some vegetable hotdogs [purchased at Ikea, of all places]. . Artisan Bread is a forgiving, flexible bread that invites experimentation. So, have just finished baking mini loaves that have blue-cheese look given the spicy, cooked spinach I stirred in. Loaves that contain dates and dried apricots are about to leave my oven. I look forward to adding chopped nuts and seeds. Here’s the 4-minute PBS for Kids video that inspired this delicious, artistic endeavor. Here’s a printable recipe. Reply! Share your bread making adventure! Comment on this blog post. NOTE: The word delightful was added to Neil Gaiman’s quote because some things this incredibly imaginative author have created that weren’t there before have been pretty monstrous. If you’d like a good scare [friends of mine have been really spooked], listen to this 7-minute read of Gaiman’s short story, “Other People.” * While Social Distancing, Here Are Great Ways to: Stay creative Exercise [includes videos] Feel happier Make your own, natural disinfectants Please share. This Week’s Special Offer Each week, my Featured Art is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries]. Shop here. Thank you for visiting my galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar. NOTE The original image was shot with a Nikon SLR camera using positive film. The transparency] was later digitalized. That JPEG file ‘was processed’ in Adobe PhotoShop Elements 14, achieving a painted effect via the Fresco filter. The color saturation and vibrance were then enriched.
Life Well Lived #8: Let’s get a little crazy here.
The creative personality seems never to grow old but rather, simply grow. – Alden B. Dow Whether you have or have yet to see Bob Ross create a large, beautiful landscape in 30 minutes, treat yourself. Watch a “Joy of Painting” show. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear him croon about painting “happy little” trees and clouds. These words from a man who reminded us to hold onto a bit of childhood and sometimes get a little crazy. Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential painters of the 20th century said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” The man who helped found the Cubist movement and constructed sculpture also said, “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off of our souls.” This week, and for a bit of every week, why not make some art? How? This post’s “Tools and Resources” offer some great, free, online courses. Or, even better for connecting to the child inside and dusting drudge off the soul, another great Picasso recommendation. “To draw, you must close your eyes and sing.” Share your arts adventures. Reply. Comment below. And, consider making some easy, four-ingredient, Artisan Bread. See video. See my bread results next week. The video is from PBS for Kids, I looked all over the site and couldn’t find the recipe. HERE is a quick, easy one with specific instructions. I combined with video info [like baking in moist oven]. * As Bob Ross would recommend, Let’s get a little crazy. Make some art this week. Here are some, Free Online Art Classes Kline Creative Free Drawing Lessons for beginners ArtyFactory All kinds of free art lessons, from charcoal portraits to aerial perspective, from African masks to pen and ink and more. Toad Hollow Studios A very talented artist shares her drawing techniques, including how to draw shining objects, an open rose and more. * This Week’s Special Offer Each week, my Featured Art is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries]. Shop here. Thank you for visiting my galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar. NOTE The original image was shot with a Nikon Coolpix camera. The jpg was “developed” in Adobe PhotoShop.