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Heather Blakey, who is passionate about education, is at the forefront
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Follow The Footsteps
Come through the doorway in to the quirky world of Heather Blakey, webmaster of the Soul Food Cafe and creator of Lemuria. Heather has been providing creative stimuli at Soul Food for over ten years. You might well decide that it is a good idea to take the time to rummage through her bookshelves. If you trace her footsteps you might not only work out how she stumbled upon the secret of creativity, but drink from the mead as well.
New Table of Contents
- Haunted by a Muse
- Art of Writing
- A Secret Until Now
- Stimuli for Art
- Craft Arts International
- Lemurian Seeds
- Weird Hauntings
- An Amazing Read
- Anatomy of Writing
- Must Read Books About Writing
- Of Course You Have Read These Too?
- Freeing the Creative Spirit
- Man and His Symbols
- One of the Many Phases
- Women Who Run With Wolves
- Reflection on the Art of Living
- Favourite Author Journals
- Old Friends
- The Golden Bough
- Be daring and tell us what you really think
- New Guestbook
Haunted by a Muse
The moment that the muse began to haunt Heather Blakey is ill defined. Maybe it was when she lay under the pussy willows, that sheltered her childhood home, reading Greek Mythology. Possibly she stepped out of one of the many books she was given and has bought over the years. Perhaps it all happened when she rode her bike to the Mechanics Institute Library to borrow the tales of ancient worlds. Whenever, the haunting has been ongoing. Heather Blakey is forever haunted by the muse. Art of Writing
Teachings of the Chinese Masters
The Art of Writing is a book that made a big impact on me when I discovered it. This tiny edition reveals the inner process every writer must go through in preparing for the creative act.
This module appeals to me because another of my favorite tricks is to photocopy the bibliography of a book I enjoy and then source the texts the writer refers to. You can follow a writer to the most fascinating of places.
If you loved The Art of Writing: Teachings of the Chinese Masters, you might also enjoy:
The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu
Written in 200 C.E., the Wen Fu is one of the firs more...0 points
Teaching Rhetorica: Theory, Pedagogy, Practice by Kate Ronald, Joy Ritchie
<p>In their breakthrough anthology o more...0 points
Interbeing: Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh
Formulated during the Vietnam War, these ethical g more...0 points
Reading Chinese Fortune Cookie: The Making of Chinese American Rhetoric by LuMing Mao
LuMing Mao offers an important discussion of the r more...0 points
A Secret Until Now
The Tao of Art has a permanent place near my bedside.
The Tao of Art: The Inner Meaning of Chinese Art and Philosophy (Century paperbacks)
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
Stimuli for Art
a true Cabinet of Curiosities
Cabinet of Natural Curiosities: The Complete Plates in Colour, 1734-1765
Amazon Price: $44.10 (as of 05/11/2008)
Albertus Seba's curious creatures: a most unusual collection of natural specimens Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities is one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements and remains one of the most prized natural history books of all time.Though it was common for men of his profession to collect natural specimens for research purposes, Amsterdambased pharmacist Albertus Seba (1665?1736) had a passion that led him far beyond the call of duty. His amazing, unprecedented collection of animals, plants and insects from all around the world gained international fame during his lifetime. In 1731, after decades of collecting, Seba commissioned illustrations of each and every specimen and arranged the publication of a four-volume catalog detailing his entire collection?from strange and exotic plants to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, shellfish, corals, insects, butterflies and more, as well as fantastic beasts, such as a hydra and a dragon. Seba's scenic illustrations, often mixing plants and animals in a single plate, were unusual even for the time. Many of the stranger and more peculiar creatures from Seba's collection, some of which are now extinct, were as curious to those in Seba's day as they are to us now. This reproduction is taken from a rare, hand-colored original. The introduction offers background information about the fascinating tradition of the cabinet of curiosities to which Seba's curiosities belonged.
Craft Arts International
a first class magazine that I am proud to subscribe to
Craft Arts International
Amazon Price: $77.74 (as of 05/11/2008)
I love magazines and often pick them up at Charity stores. They help to provide me with stimuli for my drawings. However, there are few magazines that I buy. Craft Art International is an exemplary magazine that features contemporary visual and applied arts and fine craftwork by professional and internationally acclaimed artists.
Lemurian Seeds
Paul McCartney used street signs.
I have found veins of gold in books and recycled them to become something new. Christine Pizan's City of Ladies led to the development of the Lemurian City of Ladies. Read more about a the Lemurian City of Ladies here.
The Book of the City of Ladies (Penguin Classics)
Amazon Price: $9.58 (as of 05/11/2008)
Weird Hauntings
Joanne Austin
Weird Hauntings: True Tales of Ghostly Places (Weird)
Amazon Price: $13.37 (as of 05/11/2008)
Weird Hauntings: True Tales of Ghostly Places was published in September 2006 by Sterling Publishing and Weird U.S. Inc. It's an anthology that features ghost stories from across the United States, in locations such as private homes, cemeteries, schools, and famously haunted spots, such as Alcatraz and the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. Some stories are well-known and loved, while others are destined to become favorites. And in many cases, we've even given directions.
Weird Hauntings features many of the authors who have written other books in the "Weird" state series, including Jeff Belanger, Fiona Broome, Charlie Carlson, Jeff Davis, Linda Godfrey, Scott A. Johnson, Troy Taylor, and James A. Willis. They are joined by a host of other scarily excellent writers we found across the country, all with the same love of the paranormal.
The book has won two awards and to date has sold about 68,000 copies: not too shabby in the publishing industry. It fits a supernatural niche and has given lots of exposure to the authors whose work appears in it.
An Amazing Read
The History of the Temptation of Spice by Jack Turner
Spice: The History of a Temptation
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
This is a sumptuous, passionate, epic tale which will resonate for Lemurian Travellers and anyone who loves history.
Anatomy of Writing
My Absolute Favourites
Becoming a Writer
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 05/11/2008)
The Art of Writing: Teachings of the Chinese Masters
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 05/11/2008)
If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 05/11/2008)
Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 05/11/2008)
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 05/11/2008)
Must Read Books About Writing
PLEASE ADD TO THIS LIST
Words by Jean Paul Satre
A book of quite extraordinary power. The early cha more...1 point
Dear Writer by Carmel Bird
A collection of letters to an aspiring author, spe more...1 point
Henry Miller on Writing
Some of the most rewarding pages in Henry Miller's more...0 points
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Her book is scattered with pearls which will attra more...0 points
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
A Room of One's Own is for everyone who has ever w more...0 points
Of Course You Have Read These Too?
Which is your favourite
![The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity [10th Anniversary Edition] by Julia Cameron](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/01ZHPSNM1DL.jpg)
Freeing the Creative Spirit
Freeing the Creative Spirit: Drawing on the Power of Art to Tap the Magic and Wisdom Within
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
"Freeing..." is filled with exercises to do just as it is titled, "tap into the magic and wisdom within" all of us. It starts by explaining how to tap into your spirit through "Creative Meditation" in which you can renew your sense of self esteem, recognize your connections with the rest of the world and to free the flow of creativity in the individual and society. Although this is mainly dealing with painting, I feel it is useful for all people in any art medium. The exercises of consciousness of breathing while finger painting are just as useful for those who throw clay on a pottery wheel. Using your childhood memories to recall playful experiences and to feel like that child again is always a good way to tap into your creativity. The child never judges when it comes to art, whether their own or others. Although most of the exercises are aimed at the adult they can be adjusted to apply to children. There are individual as well as group exercises and are very encouraging to those who deal with "blocks" to creativity. This book is filled with information and advise and definitely flows from the authors personnel journey. I recommend it highly and that you go with it and play.
Man and His Symbols
Carl Jung
Man and His Symbols
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
There is never any doubt that you can hear the voice of Carl Jung within the corridors of Soul Food.
One of the Many Phases
we all have phases
Night (Oprah's Book Club)
Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 05/11/2008)
Man's Search for Meaning
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 05/11/2008)
Letter and Papers from Prison
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 05/11/2008)
Life and Death in Shanghai
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 05/11/2008)
Audacity to believe
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
Women Who Run With Wolves
Clarissa Pinkola Estes
To begin the wondrous journey of discovery to my wild and intutive self is a gift and a new journey to uncovering the jewel within. New depths of power are accessed with every reading and I am bathed in feminine myth and mystery. This book has inspired me to design, write, accomplish and accept fulfillment at so many levels. Please read this book. Women Who Run with the Wolves is a MUST tool for every female. It's a treasure. Elaine Maginn Sonne, PhD, Author Legends of the Stones.
Women Who Run with the Wolves
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
Reflection on the Art of Living
Wisdom of Jospeh Campbell
Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 05/11/2008)
A guide who held a torch to light the darkened pathways.
Favourite Author Journals
Journal of a Solitude
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 05/11/2008)
The Diary of Anais Nin: Vol. 1 (1931-1934)
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 05/11/2008)
The Journals of Sylvia Plath
Amazon Price: $10.46 (as of 05/11/2008)
Old Friends
that I have a close relationship with
Three romantic novels of Cornwall: Rebecca, Frenchman's creek, and Jamaica Inn
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
Anna Karenina (Barnes & Noble Classics)
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 05/11/2008)
Wisdom from Gift from the Sea
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 05/11/2008)
Pride and Prejudice (Bantam Classics)
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 05/11/2008)
The Golden Bough
James Frazer
Originally, Frazer sought to explain the strange custom at an Italian sacred grove near the city of Aricia. He wanted to know why it was custom there for a priest of Diana to continually guard a sacred tree with his life. Why was it required that this pagan priest murder anyone who dares to break a branch from the tree & why were so many willing to risk their lives to do so? What power did this broken branch have that made it a symbol of the priests own coming death? Why could the priest only be relieved of his position by being ritually murdered & who in their right mind would strive to take his place?
What Frazer discovered in his search for answers went well beyond what he expected to find. He very quickly found himself surrounded by ancient pagan beliefs & magic rituals that were as old as mankind & just as widespread. He slowly reveals to us, by way of hundreds of examples, that ancient or primitive man was bound up in a never ending web of taboos & restrictions that regulated his existence here on earth. Every move, spoken word or even thought could swing the powers of the divine for or against pagan man. Every action was bound by religious code & any mistake could invoke supernatural retribution. The entire world, it seemed, was a reflection of the mystic other world that pagan man worshipped & everything here was symbolic of something there.
While studying this idea Frazer covers many other perplexing questions about culture & belief that have affected our lives. For example, he explains the origins of many of our holidays. He reveals the original symbolism & meaning of the Christmas tree & mistletoe & tells us what they represent. He explains the pagan origins of Halloween & why it's necessary to placate the spirits who visit your home that night. He solves the question of why Easter isn't a fixed holiday but is instead linked to the Spring Equinox & just what colored eggs have to do with anything. In short he covers just about every known superstition or tradition & relates it back to it's pagan beliefs.
What emerges from this collection of superstition & folktales isn't a chaotic mess of mumbo-jumbo but is instead a fully expounded religious system. Frazer shows again & again that these traditional customs & continuations of ancient rites are the basis for a religious system pre-dating any of our own. We find that in this system man can not stand apart from nature or the world. Nor can he commit any action without it's usual equal but opposite reaction. Eventually, we learn of the powerful but frightening association between a king's fertility & his lands well-being. Lastly, we learn that it's not always "good to be king" & just what sort of horrible price one must pay to be "king for a day".
But more than all of this Frazer is commenting on our own times & our own beliefs. "The Golden Bough" isn't simply about ancient pagan religious ideas for their own sake. The book provides & explains these ideas so we can see how they are still in operation even today. Primitive pagan beliefs & symbolism are with us daily, besides the obvious Christmas tree & Easter eggs. Behind his exhaustive examples & explanations of mystic or secret magic rituals Frazer is actually commenting on our own Judeo-Christian religions. A careful reading between the lines reveals what Frazer was afraid to state bluntly in 1890. That idea is that all religions, even our own, are based on the same basic pagan ideas of "sympathetic" & "contagious" magic. Despite advancements in science & knowledge & even despite spiritual advancements in religion & philosophy, we're still trying to comprehend the divine with the same tools our ancestors used thousands of years ago.
The Illustrated Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion
Amazon Price: (as of 05/11/2008)
Be daring and tell us what you really think
Printed Text Versus Cyber Publishing
Is the text mightier than the cyber text?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYou might just as well drop your work down a black hole.
Jodhiay says:
I'm voting this, but with reservations. Most writers still see a published, "real" book, that you actually got a contract from a legit publishing firm to write, as the beacon of writing (via financial) success. But then, lots of really great work goes unseen because publishing houses don't think they can make money from it (and to them, that's really what it's all about). Cyber text definitely is more democratic, but in being that, good writing is often buried under a lot of not-so-good writing. I think people will find and keep reading the good stuff.
I was going to comment on a few cases I know of where a blog turns into a book contract, but then I'm back where I started: thinking the ultimate goal is a physical, publishing house blessed, book. Lori's right: lots of them wind up remaindered!
Posted February 28, 2008
Let us face it, most books end up on the remainder tables.
heatherblakey says:
It is such a pity that there is not a third column so that I could perch on the fence right in the middle. My house demonstrates my passion for the printed text. Everywhere you look there are books. I have never been content to simply borrow from the library for I covet books and like to have my very own copy.
But my personal choice has been to focus on becoming a web writer and publisher. It meets my personal needs and spares me from running the gauntlet of editors who make judgements on the basis of sales figures. It frees me from the critic of my childhood who told me that my work simply was not good enough. For now, I am happy to showcase my work in an environment where my work can grow along with me.
Posted February 29, 2008
Lori G. says:
Although I do think that one can reach more readers via cyber text and that in fact many print texts do end up on the remainder table, I'm still trying to figure out how you can soak in a bathtube reading a text on a palm-pilot. My point, there is room for both media.
Posted February 27, 2008
New Guestbook
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Jodhiay
Yay! You've got Ray Bradbury here, Heather! Posted February 21, 2008 |
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Imogen_Crest
Wonderful stuff, Heather. Posted February 21, 2008 |
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heatherblakey
Smiling at you Lori. I always knew we had MUCH in common. Posted February 20, 2008 |
LOL! Heather, I own or have read all of these books! Great minds.....????
Posted February 19, 2008