Recommendations of the month:
Mentorly: Mentorly.co
As stated above, Mentorly is a site dedicated to helping bring emerging artist to the people who can answer their questions. Aspiring artists can book an hour long mentoring session and work with an artist already established in their field. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back and to help the future generations of art flourish. If students are unable to afford sessions, they are able to apply for an InKind grant. Look for more details on this fabulous project by clicking the link.
Book Challenge 2017:
Each year I set a goal for how many books I will read. Last year I did not hit my goal, yet this year I am already deep into my challenge. In 2017 my goal is to read 26 books. I have found a fun list which makes this goal easier to attain. Each book is a challenge, for example, a book you can read in a day or a book with over 500 pages. So far I am into my third book and will keep track of them here so they may serve as suggestions. Follow me on Litsy or Goodreads to read my reviews of each book.
2 of 26: A previously banned book.
The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger
3 of 26: A book with over 500 pages.
501 Must-Know Speeches
4 of 26: A book you read in school.
Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck
5 of 26: A book that will improve a specific area of your life.
Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite- Paul Arden
6 of 26: A book written by someone who is not a writer.
Rest in Power - Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin
Tip of the month: Watch the unseen.
Each day we are surrounded by a flurry of activity we don't notice. It is easy to get caught up in the "bigger" things in life and miss the finer details. Here is an experiment you can try on your own, a mindfulness practice which will force you to slow down.
Sit outside, somewhere comfortable, and get yourself settled. Rest in an easy position, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. When you open your eyes, look around and see what is there, then zoom in, keep doing this until you have seen all there is to see or all you wish to see. Keep your breath calm while you do this and try to involve the different layers of scent and sound as well. I will give an example from my backyard. "I look around and see the dogs playing, the grass, the fence, the trees, the garden, the patio stones. {zoom-in} I can see there is a bunny hiding in the long grass, a sparrow is dancing through the garden, and squirrels are playing on the fence. {zoom-in} If I look just right, I can see a swarm of gnats buzzing in the air. I can see the ants on the paving stones frenzied because their home was attacked."
We are constantly surrounded by stories everyday. All we need do is pause and pay attention.
Did you know...
- Your bookstore has a local authors section?
- Your city probably has poetry readings and other literary events you can attend?
- The first name ever recorded is considered to be, 'Kushim', an accountant who had signed a receipt for multiple shipments of barely?
What to share the Calm Scribe Newsletter? Go ahead! Please forward this message to anyone who might be interested.
Don't forget, your local library can be a great resource. When was the last time you visited?
That is it for this month's newsletter, thank you for your continued support.
Travis J. Croken
Have a suggestion for the recommendation of the month? Email me at travis.croken@me.com.
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