NOURISHMENT: 2022
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Books:
Sproutlands: Tending to the Endless Gift of Trees by William Bryant Logan
“This is what sprouts teach: immortality is not a matter of holding on, but of letting go.”
Logan poetically explores the ancient, world-wide practice of pollarding and coppicing: managing trees to responsibly source essential material for fires, building, crafts, food, livestock forage, and more - a practice that actually benefits the trees as well (imagine that!). My mind was blown at how incredibly resilient, ingenious and giving trees are - and this book resparks a guide-light along an old and almost forgotten path of true stewardship. (If you loved Braiding Sweetgrass and/or The Overstory, you might really enjoy this book!)
The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr
This review from Gage Tarlton of Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC echoes perfectly my own impression of this brilliant book: “I am at a loss for words. How can I even begin to describe the breathtaking language Robert Jones, Jr. has gifted us in his debut novel, The Prophets? How can I begin to explain how he achieves a feat so marvelous it almost seems impossible? Well, that’s the key word: almost. From his innovative restructuring of the Bible through the lens of America’s history with slavery to characters that leap off the page with colorful grace and dignity, Jones masterfully weaves a narrative that serves as a warning from the past, a prophecy for the future, and a testament to the present. His writing defies all great American novels that have come before, and in doing so becomes one of the greatest I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I can’t wait for everyone to be as spellbound by this book as I am; it will stay with me forever.”
Secrets of the Talking Jaguar by Martin Prechtel
I think this book holds many possible answers to many pressing questions, including: “what is life?” within Prechtel’s account of his journey to becoming a shaman in a Mayan community in Guatemala. (Prechtel’s books can be found in many places, but I’d recommend ordering them directly from his website)
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
I share with you the very last sentence of Erdirch’s beautiful book (-- it won’t spoil a thing!) “Lastly, if you should ever doubt that a series of dry words in a government document can shatter spirits and demolish lives, let this book erase that doubt. Conversely, if you should be of the conviction that we are powerless to change those dry words, let this book give you heart.” Indeed this inspiring book “gives heart” - it is based on a true story and full of humor, bravery and love.
The Vein of Gold : A Journey to Your Creative Heart by Julia Cameron
A guidebook, a workbook, a raft of beautiful stories, quotes, essays and tools to nourish one’s creative self.
And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran
Lusseyran is called the “blind hero of the French Resistance” in WW2 - this is his autobiography of his childhood and discovery of a powerful inner light - after being blinded at age eight - that sustains him as a teen risking his life as a part of the underground resistance to Hitlerism, imprisonment and then through the darkest of times in a concentration camp.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
About death, grief, and living through it all – this unusual book is a force, a great wave I let crash over me as I read it in one sitting. I was reminded of another great writer as I read it: William Faulkner…but Saunders has certainly written in a style that is all his own. I laughed out loud, I cried, I felt my heart stir within my chest.
Wilder Mann by Charles Freger
Stunning - and haunting - portraits of European festival/ritual costumes, utterly the stuff of dreams. Each portrait takes my breath away and stirs something very deep, ancient and ancestral, within me. (If you can’t find the book, Freger’s website is also a treasure trove.)
Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home by Richard Cahan and Michael Williams
I dream of being like Edgar Miller: Chicago designer, maker, true renaissance man. He designed and created home/studio spaces that literally make me swoon - they are completely full of unique, gorgeous elements Miller made from metal, glass, ceramic, textiles, wood, anything really. Each page of this book will make you gasp in delight and, I hope, inspire.
Karl Blossfeldt by Hans Christian Adam
Blossfeldt was an amateur photographer in early 20th century Germany. His photographs of plants - up close - reveal their architectural beauty and perfect imperfect structures. Many of the photographs remind me of black & white Georgia O’Keefe paintings – and I could see any gardener, designer or plant-lover adoring Blossfeldt’s work.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
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Children’s books:
The Star Tales of Mother Goose by Mary Stewart Adams (you can see more and buy it direct from the author here)
The Blue House - Phoebe Wahl (but also, ALL of Wahl’s books are wonderful!!)
A Stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker
Journey by Aaron Becker
Sidewalk Flowers by JoArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith (also, following along with Smith’s Instagram is a joy - he regularly posts his current illos and they are all absolutely stunning.)
The Wolf, The Duck, and The Mouse by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klasson
Children of the Forest by Elsa Beskow
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Other:
George Saunders’ commencement speech at Syracuse U in 2013 (did you happen to read his Lincoln in the Bardo?? Gosh, I LOVED that book too!)
Charles Eisenstein reads his closing story titled “A Gathering of the Tribe”, from his book A More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible. Close your eyes and really listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrwKjEZb4rY
Notes on Self-Care for Creative Humans by Yumi Sakugawa: downloadable PDF you can purchase here
I think I may have watched this little dance video 100 times ❤️…..
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Music:
We made a Spotify playlist of some music that brought us joy in 2021. Check it out here!
***If you don’t use Spotify, here are a few of the songs from the playlist:
Wedding Song by Anaís Mitchell, Justin Vernon
Putting my Tomorrows Behind by Daniel Nogren
I Waited for You by Daniel Nogren
Can I Believe You by Fleet Foxes
Sunblind by Fleet Foxes
Easy by Son Lux
Rattlesnake Charm by Sean Hayes
Every Day is a Sunday by El Ten Eleven and Kishi Bashi
Phoenix by Big Red Machine, Fleet Foxes, and Anais Mitchell
How Lucky by Kurt Vile and John Prine
Into the Light by Marisa Anderson
Tune Rider by Tunkuy, German I
Blame by Gabriels
And Children’s Songs too:
Mr. Gamble by Red Yarn
Pretty Trees Around the World by Ella Jenkins
Beautiful Day by Red Yarn
My Family by Seth Bernard
Prickly Pear by Portico Quartet
The Crawdad Song by Doc Watson