New thought-provoking blog “Discourse on Reality” launching soon

Posted on August 12, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“The work of an intellectual is not to mould the political will of others; it is, through the analyses that he does in his own field, to re-examine evidence and assumptions, to shake up habitual ways of working and thinking, to dissipate conventional familiarities, to re-evaluate rules and institutions and to participate in the formation of a political will (where he has his role as citizen to play).” ― Michel Foucault

Discourse on Reality, launching this Wednesday, will focus on current socio-economic, cultural, philosophical and political issues and challenges facing everyday men and women — across the globe. As the title suggests, it is meant to be a forum for intelligent discourse, where people can share ideas, commentary, and information on subjects that are current, relevant and affect our communities — locally, nationwide, worldwide. The objective is to learn, engage, raise awareness and, perhaps, become actively involved in the very causes, issues and challenges that we seek to address and remedy.

It is not my desire to write monologues day in and day out. Dialoguing with oneself becomes tedious after a while. To that end, I will be extending an invitation to anyone who may be interested in writing a guest blog post — within the scope of the subject matter discussed in the blog. The invitation is open to writers, scholars, community leaders, and activists — subject to my approval, per the guest blogging guidelines that will be available for review when Discourse on Reality goes live on Wednesday morning. Non-fiction authors who post a guest blog will also be invited to highlight their latest work on the “Books” page.

Discourse on Reality embraces diversity. This means: people from all walks of life, all cultures, all religions, all nationalities and ethnicities, all political and philosophical leanings, all genders and orientations.

Discourse on Reality will not provide a forum for hate, bigotry, and profanity. It’s one thing to be passionate about what you believe in, but it is quite another to spew out hateful commentary.

One blog will be posted by 9 am EDT daily, from Monday to Friday. Each day will focus on one theme, as follows:

MONDAYS – Socio-economic Issues (i.e. hunger, homelessness, health, education, environment and more)

TUESDAYS – Economic Issues (i.e. the economy, business, technology, and more)

WEDNESDAYS – Cultural Issues (i.e. civil rights, human rights, and more)

THURSDAYS – Philosophical & Political Issues (i.e. commentary on current political events/news, ideology, religion)

FRIDAYS – Philanthropy and Humanitarianism (i.e. role models and visionaries, non-profit organizations, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief, sustainability, and more)

I hope that those of you who have been tuning in to my heatherfromthegrove (a writer’s musings) blog will also check out Discourse on Reality this Wednesday.

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.

Thanks for stopping by!

— Heather

Carpe Diem

Posted on August 10, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.”

― Eleonora Duse

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Image via lesserevillife.com.

Summer Harvest in The Grove

Posted on August 9, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

Mango Tree

In my town of Coconut Grove – an eclectic South Florida village and bohemian haven to local writers, artists, architects and musicians – summer harvest is in full swing. Virtually every house in The Grove is surrounded by lush tropical flora and fruit trees. Starfruit, sea grapes, lemons, oranges, avocados, mangoes, lychee, guava, coconuts, figs, and olives. As they ripen, the pungent smells fill the air. What abundance! And, how grateful we are that the daily spurts of tropical rain, followed by sunshine and steamy, hot air provide the perfect climate for growth.

Starfruit (“Carambola”) Tree

In this sustainable environment, not only does nature produce a rich bounty for individual households and all the outdoor creatures that inhabit the yards (birds, cats, possum, squirrels, frogs, lizards and geckos), it also encourages neighborliness. Just the other day, one of my neighbors dropped by with a bag full of mangoes from her tree. Everyone shares their harvest. It is not uncommon to see baskets of fruit set outside a front gate, with a sign saying “Please help yourself. Enjoy!”

My sea grape trees cascade over the front yard, providing shade for the sidewalk and part of the street. Hanging from the branches, the ripe grapes are a welcome treat to anyone strolling by. Blending (chameleon-like) with the large, green sea grape leaves, the mischievous parrots teeter precariously as they hop from branch to branch – tipsy from indulging in their very own bacchanalian feast. Their loud and gleeful squawking can be heard from one end of the street to the other. Their joy is infectious.

Just this morning, I stood smiling as I looked up at the parrots. My smile turned into a belly laugh when several grape pits pinged my forehead. I’m sure those naughty feathered creatures did it on purpose, but I didn’t mind. Not at all. I’m just deeply thankful that my trees are bearing fruit and that they are being savoured by animals and humans alike.

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”
― William Blake

Sea Grape Tree and Parrot (posing for the camera)

Know Thyself

Posted on August 8, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies.”

— Shirley Abbott

In the 1960s and 1970s, a generation of young men and women coined the term “I’m trying to find myself.” This quest for self-discovery (often stimulated by the use of soothing “herbal” supplements) was an earnest attempt, on their part, to find answers to such questions as “Who am I, really?” and “What should I do with my life?” For some, the questions remain unanswered… which is probably why so many Baby Boomers suffer mid-life crises.

It is my firm belief that the answers to who we are (and why we are the way we are) – as individuals, as a society, or as a nation – can only be found by learning more about our history. To understand the present and attempt to mold the future, one must have a clear understanding of the past.

To find out who we are, we must begin at the beginning. Where do we come from? Who are the people who came before us, and before them?

What are our roots?

If you like puzzles, as I do, this is when it starts to get interesting. Tracing your family roots is like meandering through the pages of an epic story, only it’s your story. Your history. It can be fascinating, enlightening and sometimes even shocking. When you begin a genealogical study, you could very well open up a Pandora’s box full of surprises. My theory is: it’s always better to know, than not to know.

I’m in the process of completing my maternal family tree. There are still a few missing pieces, but I hope to fill in the blanks soon. Once that is complete, I will begin the research on my paternal roots.

And then, I will have chronicled the story of my life – from past to present.

My only wish is that I could have met each of these men and women whose blood courses through my veins, whose facial features I bear, and whose character traits I may have.

I guess I’ll have to wait until I’m on the other side.

Oh, what a reunion we shall have!

Some links that you may find interesting:

Image via sherrymonahan.com.

Dance like nothing matters

Posted on August 7, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

When it feels like the walls are closing in on you and the stress is threatening to take you down…. stop. Press the pause button. You need to take a moment, an hour, maybe even a whole afternoon – to do something that will make you smile, grin… or even throw your head back with uninhibited laughter.

My recommendation: Dance.

Why not?

Dance by yourself (don’t feel self-conscious, nobody is watching!) or grab a partner and twirl around, waltz, or – if you know how – tango!

Here, in steamy South Florida, we enjoy daily (afternoon) tropical downpours and I love to go out and dance about the yard. Lifting my face up to the sky, I welcome the rain as it washes away all the stresses and annoyances that had been niggling away at me. I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take on any challenge that may cross my path. I look up at the window and there is my husband and black Lab, both staring at me as if I had just escaped an insane asylum. I wave at them to join me, but my dog ducks away from the window as soon as the first loud peal of thunder shakes our rooftop. My husband makes a crazy sign gesture, directed at me, and disappears from sight. I shrug and continue my rain dance, choosing not to pay attention to the fluttering of curtains in several neighbors’ windows. Completely soaked through, I finally pad my way up the stairs and go inside to dry up. My dog greets me with a sniff and a lick. My husband stands beside him, a bath towel in his hand. He wraps it around me, and gives me a hug.

All is right with the world.

Image via sheranescloset.com.

Three Nuggets of Wisdom for Writers

Posted on August 2, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“The process of writing a book is infinitely more important than the book that is completed as a result of the writing, let alone the success or failure that book may have after it is written . . . the book is merely a symbol of the writing. In writing the book, I am living. I am growing. I am tapping myself. I am changing. The process is the product.”

― Theodore Isaac Rubin

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

― Calvin Coolidge

“And what, you ask, does writing teach us? First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is a gift and a privilege, not a right. We must earn life once it has been awarded us. Life asks for rewards back because it has favored us with animation. So while our art cannot, as we wish it could, save us from wars, privation, envy, greed, old age, or death, it can revitalize us amidst it all.”

― Ray Bradbury (Zen in the Art of Writing(1990) Preface)

Image Credit: Aliaksei Lasevich/Shutterstock

Here today, gone tomorrow

Posted on July 31, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

“Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money.”

― Jules Renard

I will preface this post by saying that there is certainly, in my view, nothing wrong with wanting to make money from writing. That would be a hypocritical thing to say, since I write for a living.

However, I write about things that interest me, that I’m passionate about – thoughts, ideas, issues and concerns that I want to share with others, raise awareness about… and, ultimately, engage in discourse.

I do not write a book just to satisfy a market trend or to capitalize on a subject that I would not normally even consider, just to make a quick buck.

Trends are here today, and gone tomorrow.

It’s really, really important to remember that. Writers, please heed this advice. Trendy books eventually fizzle out. They do not live in perpetuity. Their final resting place lies in a dusty old box, stored in some obscure warehouse.

Make every post, every article, every book you write… a labor of love. Whether you write as a hobby, part-time on the side, or 24/7 (like me) – write something that fuels your adrenaline.

If you find yourself writing for hours on end – oblivious to all the sights and sounds around you, with a cup of coffee that has been cold for at least three hours – you’re probably writing for the right reasons.

Recently, I read an article (can’t remember where, though) that said:

“Write the story that gives you insomnia.”

That’s when you know that your book will have staying power. And, once you’ve written it, perhaps you will catch up on your sleep!

Image: Sandra Gligorijevic/Stock

heatherfromthegrove’s non-fiction spotlight for today: “Endangered Pleasures: In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences” by Barbara Holland

Posted on July 27, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

♦ ♦ ♦

Let’s wrap up non-fiction week, here @ heatherfromthegrove, with a little humor.

♦ ♦ ♦

“Joy has been leaking out of our life… We have let the new Puritans take over, spreading a layer of foreboding across the land until even ignorant small children rarely laugh anymore. Pain has become nobler than pleasure; work, however foolish or futile, nobler than play; and denying ourselves even the most harmless delights marks the suitably somber outlook on life.”

– Barbara Holland, Endangered Pleasures: In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences

There’s nothing like a little hedonism on a hot summer day. Endangered Pleasures is an unabashed and irreverent ode to self-indulgence. In defense of small vices and taking time to smell the roses, the late Barbara Holland reminds us that we should loosen our ties, kick off our shoes and… live a little bit. Have some fun. If only Barbara Holland had met someone like Alexis Zorba (Zorba the Greek)… they would have shared quite a few dances together!

This beautifully written book contains essays that extol every simple, little joy – from waking up in the morning to padding barefoot around the house and yard. Holland’s wry sense of humor comes through, loud and clear, making us realize that sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously.

Here are a few Barbara-isms (her endangered pleasures):

“The cold and limey rattle of a vodka-tonic being walked across the lawn.”

“Finishing our tax returns.”

“The smells of the morning paper, cut grass, and old leather jackets.”

“A glass of cold champagne and a perfectly ripe pear, perhaps with a spoonful of caviar eaten straight from the jar.”

“Singing to ourselves in the car.”

I’m so happy that I came across this book, but sad that the author has since passed away. Endangered Pleasures is a great summer read, so kick off your shoes, pour yourself a glass of something and have a good chuckle. Life’s too short.

heatherfromthegrove’s non-fiction spotlight for today: “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell

Posted on July 26, 2013 by heatherfromthegrove

♦ ♦ ♦

Monday, July 22 – Saturday, July 27

NON-FICTION

@ heatherfromthegrove!

Enjoy some good summer reading.

♦ ♦ ♦

“Do you see the consequences of the way we have chosen to think about success? Because we so profoundly personalize success, we miss opportunities to lift others onto the top rung…We are too much in awe of those who succeed and far too dismissive of those who fail. And most of all, we become much too passive. We overlook just how large a role we all play—and by “we” I mean society—in determining who makes it and who doesn’t.”

– Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

True to form, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell (Blink and Tipping Point) takes us on an intellectual expedition into the realm of high achievers – über-successful people like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and the phenomenon known as “The Beatles.” An “outlier” is, in Gladwell’s own words, “a scientific term to describe things or phenomena that lie outside normal experience.” In the context of his book, outliers “are the men and women who, for one reason or another, are so accomplished and so extraordinary and so outside of ordinary experience that they are as puzzling to the rest of us as a cold day in August.“

Dispelling the notion that extremely successful people attain success because they make it happen –through their own smarts, tenacious drive, willingness to hustle and, good old-fashioned hard work, Gladwell points out that there are many extremely intelligent, highly gifted, hardworking people for whom success has been an elusive mistress. Therefore, the common dogma of “You are the author of your own destiny. You make your own success.” does not apply in many cases. In this book, Gladwell asks us to shift our focus from what successful people are like, to where successful people come from. He argues that one’s culture, family background and upbringing play a significant role in the makeup of a high achiever.

Clear, witty and intelligent, Outliers offers a new perspective on what it takes to achieve extreme success. Granted, success does rely – to a great extent – on individual effort. However, what should not be ignored is the degree to which outside factors, such as people and circumstances, affect a person’s success or failure. Therefore, we (as a society) have the ability to help shape people’s lives, and (if directed in the right way and with the best intentions) for the better.

heatherfromthegrove

a writer's musings…

Category Archives: inspiration