"The Space Between Us"

"The Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar.

I am silently drawn to books written about Indian culture. (Like Mumbai, India Indian culture.)

I'm fascinated by the descriptions of things I've never eaten or places I've never been. Indian authors (or the 2 I have read thus far- "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry was another) have this uncanny ability to transport their readers into the streets of their stories.

I can actually taste the dust in the "jhodpadpattis", smell the urine running through the streets, and feel the greasy heat. Hell, they even trust their readers to define their Indian words. A jjhodpadpatti is a slum, I think.

I recently finished Thrity's book and true to form, she wrote and I got to travel with her.

I read Bhima's story but above all, the "About the Author" pages is what I really want to share...

I might not know what a Parsi is vs. a Hindu, but I do know that Thrity the author is a smart woman.

Excerpts from her "Words to the Wise to the Would-Be Writer":

#1 : "Remember, it is possible to have a perfectly happy and balanced life without ever writing a book. You can take up less dangerous pursuits such as snowboarding, or skydiving, instead. In other words, give yourself permission not to write."

2: " If you are a true writer, you will find what I said laughable. Because for you, writing is a way of surviving in the world, the medium through which you make sense of your life."

#7: "Saying that you don't have time to write is an excuse. The fact is nobody has time to write, other than the miniscule number of writers who make their living from writing full-time. Most writers make the time to write. Their lives are no easier or less busy than anyone else's. They too have dentists appointments and kids who need trips to the emergency room and pets who puke in the kitchen and gardens that have to be watered and weeded. The difference between writers and non-writers is just that writers write. Non-writers talk about wanting to write."

I really want to have lunch with this woman.

Inspired Mini-Book

After I read this, I promptly added it to my list of "to-trys". If you didn't click the link, it's a little mini book of art.

Last Sunday, I pullled out my scraps and got down to business. Cutting and pasting business.
I thought I would share with you my version...Click the photo to get a bigger look.

Once, you cut, print, and fold (according to these directions), you have a little 4 page book that measures about 2" by 1.5". Blue Girl's was birthday themed, mine is to remind me of a few things I sometimes forget.

On a completely separate note:

I value humor. It's essential to my survival. I sent an email to a friend the other day. We share electronic quotes back and forth and a serious love of Glee.

Our last email ended this way....

"P.S. You think there’s a job out that there that needs an obsessed quote regurgitator?"

His response:

"Actually that job was filled- magnetic poetry. "

Happy Weekend-do something you love. Or, laugh. Better yet, try both.

Pity Party for One, Please

Somedays, life seems unfair; you're the square peg in the round hole.

Sometimes, on these days, the universe sends you a message. Your job is to pay attention.

Dear Unique Girl,

The very thing that may make you stand out, make you feel peculiar, and maybe even sometimes a little bit like an outcast -- is probably the thing in your life that will have the most impact on others, as well as yourself.

If you are different, embrace it. If you stand out from the crowd, stand a little taller.If your message is new and strange, shout it from the rooftops.Most history-making, life-improving, world-beautifying people were the people who were thought of as strange, bold, and peculiar.

You are one of those amazing big-souled, incredibly brave wonder-women. Of course you stand out from the crowd!And we are so thankful that you do.

Keep shining, you beautiful soul.xoxo

Click Here to Get Your Very Own Brave Girls Email

Ok, then. Carry on.