Listening to audio books is an important part of my studio practice. I love all genre of books and have been particularly attracted to self-help, body science, psychology and parenting this year. I have been participating in a book bingo challenge with the Whyte Museum since fall solstice. I never paid attention to the amount of books I listen to, and am surprised that since September 22, I have completed 31 books, almost 36. Upon reflection, I think the most interesting part of my reading practices is the way I organize my audio listening. I love my Banff Public Library card and use many of the Marigold eresources interchangeably including Hoopla, Libby, Overdrive and CloudLibrary. I often have one or two books checked out on each digital APP. I place holds on books I find interesting, and wait for them to be available. Then complete each six to fifteen hour book based on how close it is to its due date. This motivates me to finish the book within the 21-day allotted time as I know that if I don’t finish the book I will have to wait another three weeks to seven months to rent the book again. I’ve been working on my system for over two years and have it down to what works best for me. If you have any questions with this practice, comment below and I would be more than happy to add more details.
Sharing a pink hot chocolate while reading the awesome Whatever After series by Sarah Mynowski with my daughter! Passing on the love of a good audio book. Delicious pink Hot Chocolate Bomb made by Banff local Megan Iskauskas in my current go-to mug.
The 5 books that stood out to me between since fall solstice:
Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
o Recommended by a dear friend, this book did not disappoint. I loved this this book along with The Hidden Lives of Trees by Peter Wohlleben as my walk through the forest is even more magical with this new found knowledge. I appreciate Kimmerer’s investigation of a greater ecological consciousness through a variety of lenses including traditional Indigenous knowledge, parenthood and that of a biologist.
The Kindness Method by Sharoo Izadi
o I’ve read an embarrassing amount of self-help books and this one stood out to me. The message that nothing is wrong with you; that we should show ourselves compassion, kindness and forgiveness; and a complete step-by-step guide of how to change the behaviour we don’t like stood out to me as an intangible idea that could become tangible. The overview of the concept, then dive into details through each emotion is perfect for my global learning style.
Building a Brand Story by Donald Miller
o This one stood out to me so much, I wrote about changed my website, my practices and wrote about it earlier. I continue to follow Donald Miller emails and have found the free content he provides to be benefitial.
The Magicians series 1- 3 by Lev Grossman
o As an introvert and artist, I live in my head. Fantasy provides an outlet for learnt concepts to come alive and play. I love an author that pulls from many sources to create a great story. Grossman reminds me of Neil Gaiman.
o The highly recommended book that initiated this post. I appreciate the ability to recognize my mindset for everything I do. I can see my fixed mindset and work towards a growth mindset. Or leave my fixed mindset, lol, but at least I know it is there now. I love when books work together to confirm a point. Dweck pulls from notable Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and Good to Great by Jim Collins. Both excellent books I’ve previously read.
I don’t try to over think or encompass what each book talks about in my daily life, but do know my reading has changed my life. My studio journal has become book reports as I write about the concepts from each book I would like to take away. I do believe that having multiple perspectives on each topic gives me good resources to pull from in my daily life as I try to be the best version of me I can.
Beautiful shot captured while night skiing at Mt. Norquay, Banff. Thankful for this wonderful life surrounded by nature with many possibilities for growth.