Tag: books

Categories
Book Reviews motivation

Why we need to tap into the power of kindness

Cartoon of a boy handing a newspaper to an elderly woman. "She says, "Why thank you for bringing me my newspaper. You are just in time for some fresh-baked cookies."

This morning, I listened to an interview with Adrienne Bankert on The Ziglar Show. It was about kindness as a superpower. It is extremely timely with the events of the last several weeks. Who wouldn’t want to see some more kindness in the world?

When I first posted today’s cartoon, I noted that the more selfish we are, the more miserable we become. Unfortunately, selfish people make others around them miserable as well.

What is the solution? kindness. On the podcast, Adrienne mentioned the difference between being nice and being kind. It was an epiphany for me. Just being nice isn’t kindness. We can be courteous and smile at a stranger without really helping someone. In addition, kindness in the workplace is the key to being professional. There was a lot to think about in this podcast.

You can find more about Adrienne Bankert and her book at her Discover Your Hidden Superpower web site.

Cartoon of a boy handing a newspaper to an elderly woman. "She says, "Why thank you for bringing me my newspaper. You are just in time for some fresh-baked cookies."

Categories
illustration Picture Book writing

The Different Hats of Writing and Illustrating

Cartoon of a couple at dinner

In his tweet, Eric Merced reminded me how much of a challenge it can be to write and illustrate a book. When it’s a one-man show, you have to make so many decisions and switch your work mode so many times during the process.

It is so much more challenging than just writing. Now I realize that may offend some authors. If that’s the case, I understand, but I think you would agree that switching from writing, to drawing, to designing and putting it all together would take so much more than just the writing.

I suppose that is why I have such a soft spot for authors/illustrators. It has confounded me that picture books and graphic novels may be looked down on by the literary elite. The effort that goes into these books continue to amaze me.

So hats off to the solo writers, illustrators and designers that wear so many hats as they create outstanding work!

Is there a book you love that is written and illustrated by the same person? Let us know in the comments.

Cartoon of a couple at dinner
Categories
motivation

The Downside of Being a Morning Person

Cartoon of a happy, morning person waking up a man
© Copyright 2006 Kevin Spear

Most days, I can awake and  pop right out of bed on the first alarm. I know it’s annoying. I’ve been told that several times over the years by anyone who has lived under the same roof as me. I figure the snooze button is just delaying the inevitable. It’s not real sleep but a catatonic, zombie-like state between alarms. Besides, there are things to be done!

I’ve worked in creative departments over the years. It seems most creatives take pride in being night owls. That has made me a very annoying creature from 8:00 AM to noon. I thought I could help by being cheerful and enthusiastic. That is, until I read this proverb:

A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!

Proverbs 27:14 NLT

I still believe I get my best work out and am more productive the moment I first wake up. After all, I have gotten a lot out of Hal Elrod’s book, Miracle Morning.

I agree with the premise that starting the day with intentionality makes a difference. I love to write, have my devotions and exercise before it is time for the work day.

I am still going to get my day started out right. However, I resolve to be less obnoxious about it for the sake of others and for the safety of myself.

Categories
Book Review

Creativity in the Young and the Old

"Creativity is not the sole province of the young." Rich Kaarlgard
From "Late Bloomers" by Rich Karlgaard

When I heard of this book, I had to check it out. In the beginning section, Rich Karlgaard makes the case society places too much of an emphasis on achievement at too early of an age. Not only does it devalue older people but places extreme pressure on the young.

I love this quote in page 43 of the book:

Creativity is not the sole province of the young. Some of us simply need more time.

Rich Karlgaard

When I took art lessons as a teen, one of my best memories was watching retirees paint beautiful paintings. Karlgaard gives many examples of people that achieved success later in life. One I didn’t see was Grandma Moses. Here was a woman who didn’t begin her painting career until she was 78 years old.

Whether it is work or the arts, never count someone out because they appear too old, or even too young. This book is a reminder patience and perseverance are more important in a productive, creative life than a person’s age.

Categories
Marketing Social Media

What Exactly Is the Social Media Mind?

I have been reading this fascinating book on social media entitled The Social Media Mind: Ho social media is changing business, politics, and science and helps create a new world order.

It was written in 2012 when there was still hope  the Arab Spring would bring positive change. It looked five years into the future, which is almost today and how social media would be a part of our lives.

Continue reading “What Exactly Is the Social Media Mind?”