Earlier this year I put together a list of goals and experiences that I would like to make time for this year to nourish myself creatively. One of the bullet points on my list was reading a dozen new books.
We are halfway through the year, and I am halfway through my list! Read on for my reading list highlights.
xoxo
JENNA
12 BOOKS TO INSPIRE YOU THIS SUMMER
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp
A guide to living a full life by chronicling the everyday blessings in your life.
FLIGHT BEHAVIOR by Barbara Kingsolver
A novel by one of my favorite authors that address climate change, with Monarch Butterflies taking center stage.
A book of breathtaking micro-poems on the topic of life, love, self-discovery and much more. An example looks like this:
water
clings to my
wrists.
it has been
my fragrence
since birth.
A collection of poetic essays that are philosophical, spiritual, and inspirational. My favorite pages are 58 and 59 which begins…… “And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship. And he answered, saying: Your friend is your needs answered….”
TO BLESS THE SPACE BETWEEN US: A Book of Blessings by John O’Donohue
O’Donohue is an Irish teacher and poet, who has been widely praised for his gift of drawing on Celtic spiritual traditions to create words of inspiration and wisdom for today. The focus of the book is acknowledging life’s transitions in a unique way.
BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert
I have just started reading this book which on the philosophy of creativity and advice for living a more creatively fulfilling life.
NEXT ON MY READING LIST
THE VALLEYS OF THE ASSASINS: And Other Persion Travels by Freya Stark
First published in 1934, this book firmly establishes the author as one of her generation's most intrepid explorers.
THE COMPLETE POEMS OF E.E. CUMMINGS
This collection of work from 1904-1962 showcases the work of America’s most inventive poets.
The story of two friends whose cross-country road trips are a quest for meaning and true experience.
A classic book about Maco Polo’s remarkable travels across harsh deserts, great mountain ranges, and dangerous seas, as well as of his encounters with beasts and birds, plants and people in the mysterious East in the Middle Ages.
WILD: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
The story of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET by Heinrich Harrer
A vivid memoir that has sold millions of copies worldwide where the author recounts his adventures as one of the first Europeans ever to enter Tibet and encounter the Dalai Lama.
I’ve found that reading really helps fill my creative cup. If you’re feeling stuck, I encourage you to create your own list of reads, and maybe ask a friend to join you!
Afterall, the summer is the perfect time to get started, don’t you think?
HELLO FRIEND! I’m JENNA ERICKSON
Founder & Lead Travel Ambassador for OPEN AIR PLACES.
I love serving the world by sharing unique places to stay where artists can regenerate and be inspired. Nurturing the creative proces in myself and others is one of my passions. If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, please tap the “heart” button and let me know! If you’re reading something really great, I’d love to hear about that too!
You can join me on Instagram at @openairplaces or we can be Friends on Facebook. xoxo
JENNA