I’ve been reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. How have I not read this book before? I find myself devouring it but, like a good meal that took hours to prepare, I am willing myself to slow down. Take it all in. Appreciate what she has to divulge about writing.
My friend Karla is reading it now too and I feel like she captured it when she said, “This book makes me want to pay more attention.”
Yes! Pay attention. Because there is so much life being lived everywhere. Everyday.
In her book Anne shares,
“If you are a writer, or want to be a writer, this is how you spend your
days–listening, observing, storing things away, making your isolation pay
off. You take home all you’ve taken in, all that you’ve overheard, and you
turn it into gold. (Or at least you try.)”
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
And this,
“Because this business of becoming conscious, of being a writer, is ultimately about
asking yourself, How alive am I willing to be?”
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Is there anything better than a story? Rich, dripping with character, bursting with meaning. Jesus could tell a story. He told stories (or parables as it were) that changed lives. He knew the power of them.
So, I am paying attention these days. Everything can become a story – or an opportunity to tell a story. In this I have even found myself more being more intentional about what I wear – can it tell a story?
So when Work of Worth contacted me about their jewelry it was such pure delight.
Work of Worth exists to utilize the power of commerce to free the oppressed throughout the world. Sounds right up my alley.
They do this by connecting entrepreneurs and businesses in the developing world to the Western market and then go much further by also implementing a vetting process to ensure that each of their partners model Work of Worth’s standard of ethical treatment of their employees.
The Work of Worth team desires to see freedom and dignity in the lives of many. And I love that.
A story I can wear and tell. So I put together a curated collection. These are my favorite pieces.
This blue Tribal Meets Regal necklace is all things spring and bright to me. I wear it on repeat. I always get asked about it.
Then there is this summer orchard necklace with the most adorable charms. I love throwing it on with my white t-shirt (of which I have too many) and my ripped jeans.
Lastly, this journal. The Birds on Line journal. It makes me smile big in the morning when I grab it and share with it all my mind has to give.
And by its cover I am reminded of the wisdom from Anne on writing,
“Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Shop this collection here?
You will be spring ready and have stories to share.
xoxo
I love Annie Lamott’s Bird by Bird. And so often when I just don’t know how I’ll finish something I’m reminded of her story of her brother and the report on birds. And I just try to work through my long list “bird by bird.”
I had no idea that I was sharing space on the gym floor at FItness 535 with such talent and such grace and such wisdom. My day is so blessed by stumbling upon your blog…I was simply trying to find a recipe for dinner and instead I found this amazing treasure you’ve given us all. I anticipate I will be up late for days devouring your blog posts.