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Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

I signed up for a creative writing class hoping that I could go and share my writings. On the first day of class, my instructor advised us to purchase the book Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.  It is a great book about how to get yourself to write and all the experiences she went through to write her books.  I really had to read it a few times to get what she was saying.  I mostly just laughed at the way this woman wrote.  She is so open and honest. Very real.  It was like she was a friend sitting around telling me about her life. 

I wish I could say that I was inspired by Bird by Bird enough to open myself up in this class.  I wish I could say that.  The truth is I went to the first class and never went back.   I was just too shy to bring in my works for show and tell.  I was so intimidated by everyone else in the class.  I really liked the instructor but I couldn’t bring myself to go back.  I really let my fears take over.

Even though I didn’t take the class, I still learned a lot.  Maybe I just needed to go and get connected with Bird by Bird.  In the book, Anne Lamott writes,  “Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious.”  I think I’ve become more conscious and willing to write about the past and own it. 

I admire that she isn’t out there to please everyone she is there to please herself.  I really believe in that.  You write for yourself and just hope that someone out there appreciates it.  Anne Lamott’s words have really changed me, in the way that I write and  how I perceive others writings.  She makes me bring out the truth in my life.  To tell it like it is and not be ashamed of my past.  She shares her experiences of writing and of life and this helps me with my own.  You never know I just might take another creative writing class and stay for the long haul.  

- Stefanie Lindeen

The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs

I picked up this book a few years ago when my life was disorganized and frantic!  I was craving and searching for "the simple life" and the title caught my attention.  Within its pages I found comfort and ideas about creating a sense of peace in my life through simplicity.  We can ALL use more of that, can't we?

The Simple Living Guide is well-written and  has many anecdotes and true life stories about people who have gotten out of the "rat race" and onto the simpler track of life. Some of the people profiled in the book have made enormous, life-altering decisions about their careers, the way they spend their money, or the manner in which they raise their kids that are both inspiring and hope-filled.  Most, however, are average people who have made small changes in their lives: setting aside $100 a month and putting it in savings to create `a nest egg or cooking simpler meals.  These small acts have had profound effects upon their lives and I found myself encouraged to do the same.

The Simple Living Guide has chapters that range from time and money to cooking and travel. Whatever you are looking to simplify, you can find it easily and effortlessly in this book.  I know this book has changed my life when friends who have known me for years enter my home and say, "Wow!  You are so organized!  Your house is so simple and clutter-free."  Or others who say, " You used to work all of the time and now you have so much free time.  What happened?"  This is when I usually pull out the book and let them borrow it! If, after purchasing the book, you find yourself craving even more simple ideas you can sign up for the quarterly newsletter that Luhrs publishes called "The Simple Living Journal".  The newsletter is filled with personal letters and more true life stories about men and women who have created time and space in their lives by the mere act of simplifying in various ways.

I call The Simple Living Guide my "Bible of Simplicity".  When I feel a sense of busy-ness or scatteredness within myself, I pull it out and find solace within its pages.  I gain new insights and ideas each time I pick it up.

It is my hope that The Simple Living Guide will have the same effect on you!

Happy simple living, 
Kristin

Note: You can subscribe to "The Simple Living Journal" by sending a check or money order to: Simple Living, 2319 North 45th Street, Box 149, Seattle, WA 98103. A one year subscription within the United States is $21.00.

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