Welcome to Mirth and Motivation!
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Illuminating the Good: Debbie Edgers Sturges ~ Fearless. Nature Lover. Adventurer. Wildlife Painter.
“Man has been endowed with reason and with the power to create so he can add to what he’s been given. But up to now he hasn’t been a creator, only a destroyer. Forests keep disappearing, rivers dry up, wildlife’s become extinct, the climate’s ruined and the land grows poorer and uglier every day…” Anton Chekhov
WildLife: Zebras up Close in Kenya
One of the special joys of blogging is that you get to connect with lots of awesome people. In April 2009, I interviewed a cartoonist which initiated the idea of doing more interviews; perhaps a series. I let the idea sit for a while and then in November 2009, I decided to work on a series of get-to-know-you interviews. The goal was to delve into my social media connections, share insights and stories from some of the beautiful and brilliant people I have met, and put a real face to the person behind the web page, blog image or twitter post we see.
An important part of the plan was that I would ask the same set of questions, of these remarkable people; men and women who share their creative talents and gift of communication by joining the social media community and conversation – each in his/her own unique way. The process has been exhilarating and I am continuing the series with another fantastic interviewee. Today, we meet Debbie Edgers Sturges, a compassionate and fearless Nature Lover, Adventurer and Wildlife Painter.
“The stories I tell in paint and words bring my animals and landscapes to adults and children and in doing so I hope to inspire others to examine, with new curiosity, all that surrounds us in the natural world”. Debbie Edgers Sturges
Debbie Edgers Sturges on a Kenyan Safari
I met Debbie on Twitter and was struck not only by her beautiful twitter background picture of white polar bears, but also by her generous spirit. Every time someone complimented her work or followed her on twitter, she would publicly thank them. I responded to her warm welcome by visiting her website and quickly found out she was an accomplished artist, world traveler and keen photographer. She photographs her animal subjects and then paints them.
Debbie’s paintings have a wonderful LeRoy Neiman quality to them yet they also have a unique aesthetic; a compassionate spirit that shows through her work. She captures the beauty and sensitivity of each animal with her lens and paintbrush and is highly regarded in her community of wildlife, nature loving artists/adventurers. Debbie is currently showcasing some of her work at GalleriesWest in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She will also be exhibiting some of her work in a booth at the “Celebration of Fine Art” event from January 16 – March 28, 2010, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Grab a chair, relax and enjoy Debbie’s interview and artistic contributions.
“The quicker we humans learn that saving open space and wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we’ll start thinking of doing something about it.” Jim Fowler
Watching: A Black Bear Painting
This is my favorite painting of a black bear that I just finished a couple of days ago! I photographed him last August in Ely Minnesota while attending a black bear class with black bear expert Lynn Rogers!
Foundation Questions:
Tell us a bit on your background: Who are you? Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I am a wildlife painter living in a log cabin in the Rocky Mountains with my husband, a blue healer, a cat and a turtle. We share our back yard with many birds, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, foxes, bear, deer, elk and an occasional cougar.
I have been painting for 40 years and have my masters in fine arts from the “School of the Museum of Fine Arts” and Tufts University. I grew up in Seattle, Washington and moved to Idaho in the early 70s to ski and live in the mountains. I wanted to live in a place where I could walk out my door and into the woods to be alone and smell the pines.
What do you do for a living? Why did you choose the path you now follow?
I am a wildlife painter. I have put together my love of animals and the outdoors with my need to paint. I have always been artistic. When I was young, I thought I wanted to be a vet so I could be close to animals. I used to sit in a field all day to watch and catch crickets and lizards, or go down to the beach at low tide and collect marine life in a jar and watch them until I let them go at high tide.
About ten years ago, when I began to only paint wildlife, I had a vision of a patron buying and hanging one of my large canvases in his home and, in doing so, he was touched and changed to become an advocate for our wilderness and wildlife. By putting the power of the animals into my work, I hope to influence the minds of those in power! I know that sounds like a lofty idea, but we are meant to aim high; we must aim high. This is actually the first time I have said this out loud!
“After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a sumptuous planet, sparkling with color, bountiful with life. Within decades we must close our eyes again. Isn’t it noble, an enlightened way of spending our brief time in the sun, to work at understanding the universe and how we have come to wake up in it?” Richard Dawkins.
Thirst: A Bull Moose Hydrates...
I searched for 7 years to find a bull moose to get some good photographs of. I found this bull moose on the 20th of September just out of Jackson Hole.
When did you decide to make key changes in your life?
I was always on this path. Changes came when I found out that with hard work, I could paint and sell. I’m a painter and my love of nature is transparent in every painting I paint. I guess this has all slowly come about within the past 40 years that I have been painting. As I get older, I feel an urgency to get it all out on my canvas and to do my part with what talent I have.
Share your world view: How do you live your life and manage your household?
I want to illuminate the good in the world because I feel the more we see the good, the more we make room for it. It just feels right and that’s the way it should be! That’s the way I see it. I want to be around people who are making a difference in our world. I have had the privilege to meet and get to know some of the unbelievable individuals making a difference in wildlife conservation.
In the last few years, I started to take charge of my life and no longer wait to be chosen for an award or grant. I work hard day and night to make the best paintings that I can so I can afford to go on a wildlife photography trip. My husband and I are going back to Kenya and on to Rwanda to photograph the gorillas. I want everyone to see the faces of these animals because they are so important to our world. I want to paint animals that need our attention or that are feared by men. What is feared or not known? Mankind often destroys nature!
Reflective Questions:
What motivates you to get out of bed?
I am motivated to get out of bed by the thought of being in the wilderness, close to the animals I love. I am motivated to get up to my studio, to see if my canvas has the light and life I’m trying to put into my work. I treasure packing up my car and camera to take on a trip out into the wilderness; to be close to the wildlife I love. My favorite animals are bears but, last June, my husband and I went to East Africa for the first time and I found myself in love with the big cats, elephants, jackals, hyenas and zebras. The birds were spectacular in color and size! My love of wildlife is expanding…
“I think my path would have always gone back to or delivered me to wildlife. I think wildlife is just like a magnet, and it’s something that I can’t ignore.” Steve Irwin
In Kenya: A Lion Awaits...
Graceful: A Large Cat Lingers...
What makes you happy/laugh?
My husband and friends make me happy and laugh! We get together and paint, ski, hike, or travel. We really do get out into nature or share a good meal and have a good time! The baby raccoons in our backyard make me laugh when they tug on my pant leg or roll a rock around the back deck! I love to laugh!
What makes you sad/mad?
I’m really sad when I read or I am told about animals being killed or mistreated. I can’t understand the minds of people that think animals, whether they are wild or domesticated pets, are an inconvenience or threat to them. From all my travels to Katmai National Park, Alaska, Churchill, Manitoba, Yellowstone National Park, and to Kenya, I find wildlife have simple needs. They just want to be left alone to live their lives. I’m not saying that they don’t struggle, but from what I have observed in my travels, their biggest threat is us.
What would you do differently with your life if you had the power? With the world if you had the choice?
If I had the power, I would change the hearts of people to accept that our wilderness and animals should be respected and protected! They would be respected for having a place in this world; a place that is as important as our own! We have truly lost our connection to nature and nature is us! I believe that without our bond with nature and animals, we lose our happiness and sanity! To me, being in nature fills my soul to the top and makes my life worth living!
“There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.” Linda Hogan
Colorful: A Red Fox in Expectation...
I finished this painting of this red fox last week! I love to paint fox! They come to our back door! Beautiful!
Look: Another Large Cat at Rest...
What guiding principle(s) do you follow to make your life meaningful?
I work hard to paint the best work I’m able to produce! I try to make the people I come in contact feel comfortable with the ideas of preserving and sharing our wilderness with all the wildlife that live there.
What word(s) of advice would you give to others today?
I think that a life lived to it’s fullest is one that has a purpose; a purpose for good. Leave your little corner of the world in better shape then you found it. Give with an open hand, because you cannot receive with a closed fist. I’m saying this because I used to live my life scared and holding on to everything. I married a man that taught me to give. I didn’t always want to give my last $10 to a kid selling Christmas wreaths or raffle tickets but now I know that I have been blessed to be married to a man that gave away our last $10 in the early lean years!
“The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” Claude Monet
Mother and Child: Recent Painting of Zebras ~ Kenya
This is the painting of the zebras! I just finished! Loved the zebras in Kenya! Our Maasai guide teased me about how I made him stop to take yet another shot!
How would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as a woman that was unafraid to make life better for herself, her family, friends and all the animals that share her world. She painted moving and important wildlife paintings that made a difference in the way people thought about the importance and significance of our wilderness and the animals that make their home there. I want my paintings to help change how we treat and respect all living creatures and in turn how we treat one another.
Happiness is: A Family of Bears
This family of black bears visited our yard for a couple of weeks last month! They are snug in their den…winter has arrived in the Rockies!
Happiness is…..?
This October, a sow and two black bear cubs visited our yard every night to eat the crab apples off our trees. The two black bear cubs rolled and slid across the front yard in the falling snow! The sow and two cubs later bedded down in our front yard and I woke up in the middle of the night and looked up from my pillow to see them out the bedroom window and, at that moment, I felt all was right in the world and I went back to sleep feeling safe and happy! That’s what happiness is!
Debbie Edgers Sturges lives with her husband in a log cabin in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Idaho. She is surrounded by nature and loves spending time observing and painting all the beautiful wildlife that find their way to her home. She has a terrific website with more artwork for your viewing pleasure. You may also connect with Debbie on Twitter at this link @Debbiespaintbox
What are your views on Wildlife Conservation? What are your views on Debbie’s work and story? Enjoy the piece and share your feedback with us. Thank You!
PHOTO CREDITS:
All Paintings and Photographs shared by Debbie Edgers Sturges, SAA
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
5 Essential Tips for a Phenomenal 2010
5 Essential Tips for a Phenomenal 2010
To You: Prayers and Blessings for a Happy New Year!
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14
Happy New Year ~2010 via NASA
Dear Reader: Welcome and Happy New Year! We made it didn’t we? The last decade was one long bumpy ride with peaks and valleys tossed in for good measure. We had barely gotten comfortable with writing the year 2000 when 9/11 took the wind out of our sail. We mourned, regrouped and responded with a focus that brought innovation and a renewed zeal to build successful businesses in finance, real estate, entertainment and a host of other fields. We watched enormous wealth go to a small but growing group of people. We fought two wars, recovered from a recession and started the underpinnings that would lead to another recession.
The internet exploded globally as Google showed up and dominated the online experience. For several years, we had a phenomenal real estate market and business was booming until the market crashed and the rest is recovery history… We shall overcome.
Unemployment figures are still high; health, security and green/sustainability are important growth areas for job-seekers. Social media and affiliate marketing remain part of the new growth industry and every brilliant creative is on the treadmill churning out new ways to connect/ reconnect; via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Myspace, Plaxo, ActiveRain and more. On a sad note, Michael, Farrah, Brittany, Bernie, Andrew and other loved ones passed away…
So much happened around the world during the last decade; especially in the final months of the year, however, we made it. Praise God! So, let’s reflect for a bit and imagine what might have been if we had pursued a particular path over another ~ or not … and then MOVE on. Reflect, release and get ready to push past fear, embrace your best self and dazzle in this decade.
Whatever our memories, it is time to pull ourselves together and consider a game-plan for the new decade. Where do you wish to be in 5 years? What are you planning to accomplish? Who will you bring along on your journey? By now, you’ve read tons about what to do to make this year great; you’ve probably created a to-do list of your own. Right? The tips below will serve as important support systems/anchors in our lives as we embrace the New Year and follow our hearts to accomplish our dreams. Don’t get stuck on stupid.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye…” Matthew 6:21-22
Family: Wishes for another Great Year
FAMILY: Our family is often at the core of every successful endeavor we pursue and they see us as we are. They cajole, criticize, and comfort us through our successes and failures. They upbraid us when we start believing our own positive press and pick us up when the talking heads brutally slam our creative efforts.
Our family is essential to the journey we take and we return to them, again and again, for validation and victory. Miss not the chance to engage yours as you step into your light this 2010. Embrace them, love them back and listen to their exhortations to go for your dreams or to hold back from a reckless decision. Our families know us well. Remember that the word family includes more than the traditional definition of family … It includes all types of supportive configurations we lean on for strength and more. Get to it!
“Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not turn right or left, keep your feet from evil” Proverbs 4:26-27
Friends: Bloom Like Flowers in 2010
FRIENDS: Our friends are a precious gift from the universe; particularly our true and closest friends. If you’ve lived long enough, you have probably had your share of trusted and conniving friends. We will ignore the latter and focus on the former for 2010. Your friends shower you with grace and joy and champion your efforts to traverse any hardships. So thank them and show you care… Be a true friend back. Pay it forward and make some new ones too. New friends are a joy but keep your old friends close too.
For 2010, acknowledge your friends and honor them openly. Sing their praises and hold them close to your heart – for without true friends we are lost in a sea of sycophants waiting, like vultures, to devour us… Alas, even the famous are not immune. There is an African proverb that says; He who has wealth, has friends but he who has true friends has divine and abundant wealth. Protect the wealth of good friendships with good action and let them know by reciprocating through acts of kindness and goodwill.
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and not doubt … Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St. Thomas Aquinas”
Faith: Let the Tiger Roar in 2010
FAITH: Our faith carries us through the peaks and valleys of life. Often, we focus on the outward events that impact our lives and forget the still quiet magic that keeps us thriving. Whatever our faith, there is much to be celebrated and to be thankful for this 2010. We made it and we can all create richer, more satisfying lives this year. Believe you can and you will.
Welcome the year with faith and confidence that your good actions will bear good fruit. If you have a faithful practice that brings peace and inspiration into your life, shore it up by visualizing the outcomes you expect and then channel your energy into completing the tasks that will make your goals a reality. When you experience obstacles or difficulties, reflect, release your fears to the ether and trust that a solution is at hand … and so it is. Ask. Believe. Receive
“May he remember all your efforts. May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans.” Psalm 20:3-4
Focus: Full Moon Bird via Ernest Coleman
FOCUS: As we plan our year ahead, it is important to develop clarity about what we wish to accomplish and why. It takes enormous focus to complete any goal successfully and while we might sometimes fall short of our self-imposed expectations, it is imperative that we refrain from abandoning our goals. Refocus when you slip up and get back to the work you need to do as quickly as possible.
Behind every disappointment is an opportunity for renewed effort and phenomenal success. Don’t give up, simply rein in the mental negative backtalk, and fix your eyes on the price. You are closer than you think and focused action is a powerful way to stay on top this year. As the year progresses and you continue to work diligently on your planned goals, ask yourself the following questions about each goal: What is the singular reason for accomplishing this goal? Is it still relevant? Do I need to shift my focus to a higher purpose?
“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart is trusting and I am helped; therefore my heart rejoices and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7
Fun: Celebrate the New Year brightly via Dgreetings
FUN: Motivation without mirth is pointless. You owe yourself moments of joy, rest, relaxation and fun. We often forget that our creative juices flow freely when we are at ease; in a state of joyful, blissful relaxation. Find a new hobby or way to uplift your spirits. Take a dance class or singing lessons; learn a new language, a new marketing skill or even take yoga lessons. Add something new to your repertoire; it will make for great conversation and get you re-energized.
Don’t miss any opportunities to hang out with friends and enjoy a good meal. Do listen to great music, read an uplifting book or even watch a movie. Remember to factor in some fun time this year as it will guide you to your muse, and lead you to all those fantastic places where rewards await you; just like you dreamed… Have a fabulous year ~ You deserve to succeed!
What do you think? What essential tips are you adding to your treasure box this year? Do share.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Happy New Year 2010 ~ via NASA
Family:Another Great Year ~ via Free Digital Photo
Friends: Bloom Like Flowers in 2010 ~ via blish Ind Google Images
Faith: Let the Tiger Roar in 2010 ~ Chinese New Year via Google Images
Focus: Full Moon Bird ~ via Ernest Coleman, AP Cincinnati Inquirer
Fun: Celebrate the New Year brightly ~ via D Greetings Google Images
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
For You:Top Motivational and Mirthful Books to Help Welcome the New Decade
“A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.” Abraham Lincoln
Bid the Clouds Adieu and Welcome the New ~ #30 via V Pinke
It seems like only yesterday when the new millennium arrived and everyone was excited about the 1990s being replaced by the 2000s. A new decade is around the corner and we are echoing some of the same sentiments from a decade ago; a new beginning, new numbers to consider on a calendar, this coming decade better make up for the dreadful last one, good riddance to bad rubbish; aka the last decade yada, yada, yada. Whatever our sentiments, a lot happened in the last ten years and many of us are ten years older and wiser for all the hoopla.
Of the many memories I will cherish from the last decade, 9/11 will remain the most powerful and painful. Others revolve around work, family, health, travel, and many learning and growth opportunities. I tried out a few new career paths, I ate and traveled plenty and watched my children grow. I welcomed nieces into my extended family, I said goodbye to a few friends and in-laws, I recuperated from a few health scares, celebrated many birthdays and read a lot…
It is the many days and nights I spent reading/re-reading myriad books that I wish to share with you here. No, I couldn’t possibly share every book I read in the last ten year but yes, I will share a list of many books that I read with either exhilaration or trepidation. Why trepidation? Well, Barbara Ehrenreich’s recent book, Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, got me thinking about the $9.6 billion self-improvement, motivational and positive psychology industry and how often the message and multitude of voices become one big, blurring cacophony of noise agents battling for the souls of the distressed.
“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” Confucius
Do we need more Dr. Feel-betters’ telling us to “Seize the Moment Now,” “Change Forever!” and “Go for It”? Maybe not. However, if a good motivational book helps us get off the couch and make one simple change in our finances, health, relationships or our life, then the book has served as a powerful catalyst for positive changes. I agree that we must, sooner or later, move our feet and take concrete action after all those wonderful seminars, workshops, and readings. It would be a shame to read the books and then let that brainpower go to waste while we search for the next elixir of youth, the next great marketing, money making, and motivational scheme – all fodder for the delusional. Read and Act are key terms for the next decade.
The list of books is extensive yet not comprehensive and you may add to it or ignore the authors you find unappealing. I have created five groups of readings: Motivational; Contemporary and Classic, Inspirational; New and Classic, and a Mirthful category. Some authors on the list have detractors who have been quick to point out the errors in their message. Others on the list are perennial favorites, yet another group has either straddled the love/hate divide or quietly gained a following because of the power of their message.
I have included a list of books that made me laugh out loud. Humor is always a good thing as I think motivation without mirth is pointless. I plan to add some personal info on certain authors and books later but for now, let’s kick back and read our way through 2010.
What do you think? Do you have a book or story to share? Have you met any of the authors? Can you tell a particularly pointed story about one of the books? … Please share and I will do same in a future post.
Meanwhile, I wish you all bliss, peace and good hunting in your reading adventures. Enjoy the reading lists below:
“Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Gandhi
Dawn: A Decade or an Illusion? Via V. Pinke
Motivational Contemporary:
The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life (2000) by Geshe Michael Roach
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money–That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! (2000) by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Business @ the Speed of Thought (2000) by Bill H. Gates
The Essays of Warren Buffett (2001) by Warren E. Buffett
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable (2003) by Seth Godin
Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential (2004) by Joel Osteen
The One Thing You Need to Know: … About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success (2005) by Marcus Buckingham
9 Steps to Financial Freedom, The Courage to Be Rich & The Laws of Money, The Lessons of Life (1997, 2001 & 2005) by Suze Orman
Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People (2006) by Jane Bryant Quinn
Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time (2007) by Brian Tracy
Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can’t Wait to Live by (2007) by Zig Ziglar
50 Prosperity Classics (2008) by Tom Butler-Bowdon
Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success (2008) by Donald J. Trump and Meredith McIver
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion (2009) Gary Varnerchuk
Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Love (2009) by Jonathan Fields
Get Off Your “But”: How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself (2009) by Sean Stephenson
Motivational Classics:
The Richest Man in Babylon (1926) by George S. Clason
How to Win Friends & Influence People (1936) by Dale Carnegie
Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill
Man’s Search for Meaning (1946) by Viktor Frankl
The Power of Positive Thinking (1952) by Norman Vincent Peale
The Magic of Thinking BIG (1959)by David J. Schwartz
The Greatest Salesman in the World 1968) by Og Mandino
The One Minute Manager (1982) by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989) by Stephen R. Covey
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! (1992) by Anthony Robbins
Developing the Leader Within You (1993) by John C. Maxwell
Notes from a Friend: A Quick and Simple Guide to Taking Control of Your Life (1995) by Anthony Robbins
Who Moved My Cheese? (1999) by Spencer Johnson
“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” Edmund Burke
Alten Ost ~ The Earth Awakens and Welcomes Sun or Moon? via V. Pinke
Inspirational New:
Half the Sky (2009) by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn
Have a Little Faith: A True Story (2009) by Mitch Albom
Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America (2009) by Barbara Ehrenreich
Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays (2009) by Zadie Smith
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope (2009) by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery. (2009) by Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz with Janet Mills
It’s Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams and Increase in God’s Favor. (2009) by Joel Osteen
Showing Up for Life (2009) by Bill Gates, Sr and Mary Ann Mackin
Say You’re One of Them (2009) by Uwem Akpan
The Thing Around Your Neck (2009) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Inspirational Classics:
Things Fall Apart (1958) by Chinua Achebe
Jagua Nana (1961) by Cyprian Ekwensi
Second Class Citizen (1975) by Buchi Emecheta
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1990) by James Melvin Washington
Woman at Point Zero (1994) by Nawal El Saadawi
Push/Precious (1996) by Sapphire
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book (1997) by Miguel Ruiz
Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson (1997) by Mitch Albom
The Invitation, The Dance, The Call (1999, 2001 & 2003 books) by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
The Power of Now (1999) by Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Focus (2000) by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt
The Power of Patience (2003) by M.J. Ryan
GraceLand: A Novel (2004) by Christopher Abani
A Hand to Guide Me (2005) by Denzel Washington with Daniel Paisner
The Success Principles (2006) by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer
The Book of Not: A Sequel to Nervous Condition (2006) by Tsitsi Dangarembga
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) by Chris Gardner
The Secret (2006) by Rhonda Byrne
Outliers: The Story of Success (2008) by Malcolm Gladwell
Lessons on Life: How to Live a Successful Life (2008) by Jim Rohn
“Through literacy you can begin to see the universe. Through music you can reach anybody. Between the two there is you, unstoppable.” Grace Slick
Mirthful ~ as in Funny:
The Tao of Pooh (1983) by Benjamin Hoff
Sex and Sunsets (1987) by Tim Sandlin
Being Happy! (1990) By Andrew Matthews
When I Was Puerto Rican (1993) by Esmeralda Santiago
The Best of Bombeck: At Wit’s End, Just Wait Until You Have Children of Your Own, I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression (1994) by Erma Bombeck
Bridget Jones’s Diary (1996) by Helen Fielding
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia (2006) by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Get A Life Campaign (2007) by Tyeese Gaines Reid
The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up (2008)by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher
The Believers (2009) by Zoë Heller
Larry’s Kidney: Being the True Story of How I Found Myself in China with My Black Sheep Cousin and His Mail-Order Bride, Skirting the Law to Get Him a Transplant—and Save His Life (2009) by Daniel Asa Rose
Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky but Authentic Spiritual Memoir (2009) by Susan E. Isaacs
Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin (2009) by Kathy Griffin
PHOTO CREDITS:
All Photos via Veronika Pinke
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
