Living Artfully
by Sandra Magsamen
Published by Free Press/Simon & Schuster
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: Create the Life You Imagine
"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is ultimately to be at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be."
-- Abraham Maslow
One morning of channel surfing I stopped to watch Sandra Magsamen being interviewed and was drawn in to her talk about being creative and living artfully in our life. When this book became available for review, I jumped at it.
What does it mean to live artfully? The chapters are filled with ideas--simple, easy-to-do, no-cost ways to live artfully in areas like:
-- Making connections
-- Rediscovering your creative power
-- Creating moments that matter
-- Making your home reflect you
-- Artfully ways for special days
-- Making your mark on the world
The stories are wonderful, both from her own family and the other people she allows us to meet. The illustrations by the author are light and cheery and are complemented by the well-chosen quotes.
In the Home section, the author reminds us to celebrate the little things--change of season, different kinds of "homes," what home means, etc.
Maya Angelous said, "I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."
As I write this mid-April, the robins returning to Minnesota are celebrating a late-spring snowfall as they dash from tree to tree, eating last season's fruit. I want to be as happy all day as they are this morning.
My favorite section was "Imagine the possibilities: Rediscovering your creative power." It's full of hope--of possibilities of living creatively. "Each day is a gift we get to unwrap--in our own way." "Think of the morning as a lesson that is unfolding to show you the creativity in the fabric of all living things" (page 42).
So many allow self-doubt and uncertainty to prevent us from being creative. The author indicates that being creative isn't just about art or making art--but about creative outreaches to others.
This is a book that will remain close at hand to return to when my creativity gene has been covered up by daily stress and wear and tear. I will return to it for inspiration, for hope, through the wonderful ideas, stories and quotes.
Armchair Interviews says: Sandra Magsamen is a very prolific writer, and this is book 19. If you think you are not creative, you need to find ways "to be creative and live artfully" with this book's help. You'll be glad you did.
Author's Web site: http://www.SandraMagsamen.com