Art Book Helps You Discover Your Unique Creative Style

 

Title: Fresh Paint; Discover Your Unique Creative Style Through 100 Small Mixed-Media Paintings

Authors: Flora Bowley & Lynzee Lynx

Publisher: Quarry Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2021

Length: 173 Pages

About the Authors
Flora Bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, workshop facilitator, author, visionary, and inspirationalist. Her soulful and transformational approach to painting has inspired thousands of people across the globe to "let go, be bold, and unfold" as they move through fear and welcome joyful, spontaneous expression back into the creative process.
Lynzee Lynx enjoys creating in many mediums, including paint, beads, metal, and fabric. She’s passionate about ecological preservation, personal style, embodiment, cultural art practices, and mindful consumption.

How to Discover Your Creative Style
The authors believe there are eight key ingredients needed to discover and develop a personal creative style. These ingredients are:

1. Desire
2. Self-Inquiry
3. Trust
4. Awareness
5. Expansion
6. Exploration
7. Gentleness
8. Dedication

The reader is challenged to create 100 small paintings as a way to connect more deeply to yourself and the world around you, to trust in your own inclinations and preferences, and to "do the work".

My Thoughts

This is not your typical art book. You are not given exact instructions on how to do specific projects. Instead, you are offered a variety of prompts, exercises, and philosophies to consider. 

This book focuses on creativity and how to develop your own unique style. If you follow the guidelines provided by the authors and create 100 small paintings, you will be well on your way to discovering your artistic preferences and specialties.

I like the way the written exercises and prompts encourage you to go outside of your comfort zone and try new techniques with new materials. There are no mistakes when you are expanding and exploring your artistic skills. This book offers a framework that will lead both beginners and experienced artists to consider a fresh outlook and mindset.

One of my favorite ideas from this book is to let your ancestry and family traditions inspire your art. I hope to let my German ancestry and my rural upbring come out in my future art projects. 

The ambitious goal of creating 100 small paintings is a bit overwhelming but I am sure it can be done with some gentleness and dedication. I read a digital copy of this book and plan to order a print copy so I can dive in a little deeper.

Highly recommended.

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Concert Pianist Pens Memoir and Guide for Living

 Title: Whenever You're Ready; How to Compose the Life of Your Dreams

Author: Jeeyoon Kim

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: August 24, 2021

Length: 264 Pages

About the Author
Jeeyoon Kim is a professional concert pianist who has performed in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago. As an accomplished performing artist and award-winning music educator, she credits her success to key disciplines, practices, and mindsets that she lives out every day.

Composing the Life of Your Dreams
Jeeyoon Kim has written a memoir that details her life as a concert pianist. She shares her techniques for preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically for your own performances.

The book is organized like a piano concert:

• Prelude
• Movement #1; Practice until Practicing Is a Part of Your Normal Life
• Intermission #1
• Movement #2; Guard Your Mind and Keep Negativity at Bay
• Intermission #2
• Movement #3; Create, Dream, and Play
• Intermission #3
• Movement #4; Connect with Yourself, Others, and the Universe
• Intermission #4
• Movement #5; Take Care of Your Body and Your Environment
• Encore

At the end of each chapter, there are activities for you to apply in your own life.

My Thoughts
This book is magnificent. I found it to be informative, inspiring, and motivational.  I am a pianist (beginner/intermediate) and could relate to many of the experiences the author had in her childhood years of piano lessons, practicing and perfecting her skills. I was interested in how she deals with the "jitters" that many musicians deal with before performing in public. Jeyoon Kim learned at a young age that she would need to dedicate her entire life to music if she was going to achieve her goals and make her dreams come true.

This book is much more than a biography of the author's life. She shares her secrets for living a successful life and dealing with the challenges that we all ultimately face. There are workbook-like activities at the end of each chapter to help readers apply key concepts to their own situations. 

I found the first section of this book, "Practice until Practicing Is a Part of Your Normal Life", especially helpful. The techniques in this section of the book can be applied to any skill that you want to excel in. The author reminds us that the turtle wins the race over the rabbit. Perseverance and persistence are important traits to use when working toward a goal. The concept of natural talent is downplayed and a strong work ethic is emphasized.

I have been listening to Jeeyoon Kim's cd album "Over, Above, Beyond" while writing this review. The music is stunning. My favorite selection on the cd is her rendition of the classic children's song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

You can listen to the author play the piano on her YouTube Channel. 

I highly recommend this book!

5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Life is Like a Balloon Card

Click on the image to enlarge. 

"Life is like a balloon...if you never let yourself go, you will never know how far you can rise."

Isn't this an uplifting quotation? It is perfect for birthdays, graduations and other occasions where encouragement is appropriate.

The base of this card is a light pink blank Recollections card (Michaels) that measures 5" by 6.5".

The background paper is from the Que Sera Sera paper pad by K and Company.

I chose the digital stamp/sentiment "Life is like a balloon" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I used Microsoft Word software to merge and resize the images and sentiment. This was a little tricky, but I think it turned out OK. If I make another card with this image, I might make the girl a little larger.

I hand-colored the images with Copic Sketch markers and Winsor and Newton Promarkers/Brush markers. I cut/embossed the image with my die cutting machine and mounted it on a piece of dark pink patterned paper. I then attached it to the card.

I embellished the card with a balloon die cut from Recollections Signature Glitter Paper and attached it in the upper right corner of the card. I made a paper flower and attached it to the lower left side of the card. The balloon and flower dies are by Sizzix (thrift shop finds). 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time To Craft Challenge #98
Craft-Dee Bowz August 2019 Challenge
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge #66
The Creative Crafters Challenge #19
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #282
Sweet Stampers Challenge #35

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

What Game Are You Playing? - A Book Review

What Game Are You Playing?: A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most

Author: Robin Moriarty, PhD

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2019

Length: 171 Pages








About The Author
Robin Moriarty, PhD, is a global business executive, professor, and writer who has lived on four continents and traveled to more than 60 countries. 

It's All A Game
Life is full of choices. This book challenges the reader to redefine success in your own terms.

Dr. Moriarty believes that life is a game and it's important to play your own game...not the game that other people are playing or the game that they want you to play, but the game you want to play.

It is both exhausting and frustrating to compare yourself to other people and live by others' rules.

"Why would I want it all? Why wouldn't I just want what I want and not what everyone else says I should want?"

This book explains how to discover your own definition of success and then make the necessary changes in your life to achieve your new goals, ambitions, and dreams.

My Thoughts
I think we are influenced a great deal by the expectations of our childhood family and peers. I came from a family of school teachers and I was gently (or maybe not so gently) nudged in that direction when it was time to choose a career. (Actually, being a school librarian was a good fit for me.)  

Dr. Moriarty believes it is never too late to design your own game plan in both your professional and personal life. She has developed the following four-part framework as the organizing principle for your game;

• Your game's objective - What are you pursuing? What do you want?
• How you play the game - How do you spend your time, talents and resources?
• What obstacles must be overcome - What are your challenges?
• How do you keep score so you know you are winning? 

The author provides many examples of how to use this framework to bring change to your life. She suggests that you start with little things that feel good to you and that help others see that there's been a shift in your behavior.

Change is not easy. This author has devoted her entire book to help you discover your own game and then play with passion and courage. It is not too late to change your thinking and take bold steps toward new and different adventures, careers, relationships or goals. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Finding Happy Starts With a Decision

Finding Happy: 10 Keys to Living an Extraordinary Life

Author: Chad Kneller

Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing

Publication Date: October 1, 2018

Length: 124 pages








About the Author
Chad Kneller is the founder and CEO of Made For More Inc; a company dedicated to bridge the gap between reality and possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Mr. Kneller served as an Army officer after pursuing a music career in the rock and roll industry.

Resilience, Perseverance and Faith
Mr. Kneller has penned a book that is both memoir and motivational. He defines ten keys that will help you find happiness and live a rewarding and fulfilling life. 

The author tells how he went from failure in his early years to fortune by becoming a successful husband, father, businessman and leader. 

My Thoughts
I want to begin by thanking Mr. Kneller for his service to our country. He served two stints in the U.S. Army and completed the requirements to earn his college degree and become an Army officer. As a military mother, I have a great deal of respect for his hard work and dedication to our country.

The author is very transparent about the mistakes and bad choices he made as a young man. However, he was able to put these things behind him and work hard to achieve a better life for himself and his family.

Mr. Kneller boldly credits his Christian faith for giving him strength and guidance to become the man he is today. He shares passages from the Bible to support his quest for finding happiness and joy.

"Finding happy starts with a decision. It's deciding you are going to be happy and starting off each day with an attitude of gratitude...The key is deciding to be happy."

This book gives you motivation, inspiration, encouragement, and journaling prompts to help you reflect on what you read. "Finding Happy" is an excellent selection to get the new year off to a great start.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Get Things Done By Setting Destiny Goals

Volcanic Momentum: Get Things Done by Setting Destiny Goals, Mastering the Energy Code, and Never Losing Steam

Author: Jordan Ring

Publisher: Archangel Ink

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 178 Pages








About the Author
Jordan Ring's primary goal is to help people live a life of less talk and more action. When he isn’t busy writing, blogging, or podcasting, Jordan is also the book marketing and launch guru for clients over at his second home, Archangel Ink. 

Never Lose Steam
Jordan Ring has written a high-impact guide for setting goals and getting things done. The first step is to dive enthusiastically into the problem. Don't hesitate. Take the leap and then take that next step.

Mr. Ring shares the following three kinds of goals that we should all set to achieve volcanic momentum and dynamic results;

• SAGS - Small attainable goals. These goals will help you achieve quick success and keep up the momentum.
• BHAGS - Big hairy audacious goals. Large goals that will have a huge impact on your life.
• Destiny Goals - These are the goals you want to achieve to leave a legacy. These goals go beyond you.

Jordan shares his own life experiences and provides inspiration, motivation and MOMENTUM to help you build the life you desire.

MY THOUTHTS

I have read quite a few self-help books that focus on goal setting for success. I believe this book is right up there with the best of them. 

This book provides well-organized information that is easy to implement and adapt to your life. The author writes in a style that is energetic, motivating and encouraging. Mr. Ring does not hesitate to share his Christian faith with his readers in an honest and straightforward manner.

I think the one thing that impressed me the most about this book was the idea of setting destiny goals. 

Destiny goals can change the world by tapping into the potential of each of us as individuals to bring about bigger change. How you choose to change the world is entirely based on your own experiences and life circumstance. We are all on different life paths, but harnessing your uniqueness into the power of a Destiny Goal will give you firm and clear direction.

It has never been easy for me to come up with a set of goals and put them IN WRITING. This book has finally convinced me to start a journal and create and track goals for my life. 

This is an excellent book to read at the end of the year to help you set goals for a happy and successful new year.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Author: J.D. Vance

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: June 28, 2016

Length: 272 Pages









About the Author
J.D. Vance grew up in the Rust Belt city of Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served in Iraq. A graduate of the Ohio State University and Yale Law School, he has contributed to the National Review and is a principal at a leading Silicon Valley Investment firm.

White, Working and Poor in America
J.D.'s grandparents moved north from Kentucky's Appalachia region to Ohio in hopes of escaping the devastating poverty around them. His family struggled to adjust to their new middle-class status. His mother was never able to escape the legacy of abuse, addiction, poverty and trauma that was so characteristic of her childhood years in Appalachia. Mr. Vance lived a very chaotic childhood and was passed around to numerous family members while his mother struggled with drug addiction and moved different men in and out of her home.

J.D. decided to join the Marines when he graduated from high school. When he left the Marines, he used his military education benefits to attend Ohio State University. He eventually graduated from Yale Law School and learned that social mobility involves much more than acquiring money.

“social mobility isn’t just about money and economics, it’s about a lifestyle change. The wealthy and the powerful aren’t just wealthy and powerful; they follow a different set of norms and mores. When you go from working-class to professional-class, almost everything about your old life becomes unfashionable at best or unhealthy at worst.” 

My Thoughts
I chose this book because it was on the Bill Gates book list for 2017. 


I was extremely touched by the childhood experiences that are described in this book. Mr. Vance is truly a survivor and overcomer. He credits his grandparents, sister and other family members for being there for him when his mother was unable or unwilling to take care of him.

“For kids like me, the part of the brain that deals with stress and conflict is always activated...We are constantly ready to fight or flee, because there is a constant exposure to the bear, whether that bear is an alcoholic dad or an unhinged mom....I see conflict and I run away or prepare for battle.”

The author believes his years in the U.S. Marine Corp gave him the confidence and skills he needed to overcome his chaotic childhood and set realistic goals for the future. 

Mr. Vance met his future wife at Yale and she became an excellent mentor and friend during his years in law school. He is now a practicing attorney and appears to have a very bright future indeed. However, sometimes things are not as they seem to outsiders. 

“That is the real story of my lift, and that is why I wrote this book. I want people to know what it feels like to nearly give up on yourself and why you might do it. I want people to understand what happens in the lives of the poor and the psychological impact that spiritual and material poverty has on their children. I want people to understand the American Dream as my family and I encountered it. I want people to understand how upward mobility really feels. And I want people to understand something I learned only recently: that for those of us lucky enough to live the American Dream, the demons of the life we left behind continue to chase us.”

This book is informative and inspiring. I am sure that many have walked a similar path as described in this book. The author was able to eloquently express the emotions and vulnerability that he feels as a result of his childhood experiences.

Dr. Phil frequently says, "There's an old saying in Texas: You gotta rise above your raisin'." 
This book shows you how.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I borrowed this book from my public library.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

New Adventures Summer Greeting Card

This is a great summer-time card and it also has an inspiring sentiment..."Say YES to new adventures".  I made this for my two-year-old granddaughter who just completed her first swimming lessons. 

I will be entering this card in Mo's Digital Challenge #265. 

These are the supplies I used to make this card;

I started with a blank 5" by 7 " kraft cardstock card.

I chose the digital image "Summer Tot One" and the sentiment that comes with it. Mo's Digital Pencil is having a summer sale this week and next!

I printed the image/sentiment on bristol cardstock and printed another copy of the image on red/white dotted patterned paper. I used Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers to color the little girl's face/body, the pool/water and the instructor's arms. 

I paper-pieced the swim suit and colored the suit blue with a Copic Sketch marker. I also used a Copic marker to make the shadow behind the little girl.

I used Inkadinkado Bold Bright Blending Chalks for the sky

I cut/embossed a piece of aqua, goldenrod and off white cardstock to layer behind the image. I used a Martha Steward ladybug corner punch on the goldenrod cardstock.

I embossed the sentiment with a Spellbinders die and attached it to the top of the card.

I finished the card with a piece of variegated seam binding.

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Where the Water Meets the Sand by Tyra Manning

Title: Where the Water Meets the Sand

Author: Tyra Manning

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: May 10, 2016

Length: 264 Pages



About The Author
After retiring from a forty-year career in education, Dr. Tyra Manning has devoted her energies to comforting those suffering in silence, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and opening doors to resources for support and treatment.

A Woman With A Mission
Tyra Manning learned that her husband had been killed in the Vietnam War from her psychiatrist at the Menninger Clinic, where she had been hospitalized for clinical depression. After years of battling addiction and depression, Tyra's worst fear had come true. Larry had been shot down over the Laotian jungle while flying a top-secret mission, just two weeks before their daughter's second birthday.

The author recounts how she was able to persevere in the face of devastating loss. With courage, love, and determination, she overcame her grief and fulfilled promises she made to Larry before he left for Vietnam. She ultimately earned a doctorate of education from the University of Kansas and became one of the nation's top school superintendents.

When Tyra received a call from the Air Force in 2006, she was able to keep one last promise to Larry. His remains had finally been excavated after thirty-five years, and she was able to honor his wish to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

My Thoughts
This memoir is remarkable for many reasons. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until I read the last page.

The author is a survivor. Tyra Manning is as much of a hero as her husband who lost his life in Vietnam. She would not give up, no matter how difficult her life circumstances were.

Here are some of the challenges that Dr. Manning overcame:

• The illness and death of her father at a young age.
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
• Alcohol addiction.
• Becoming a young widow of an Air Force pilot killed in Vietnam.
• Single motherhood.
• Working as a school teacher and going to school at night and during summers.
• Severe injuries from a head-on collision with a drunk driver.
• Divorce.
• Dealing with military authorities for over 35 years to have her husband's remains returned and buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Trya and Larry were planning to meet in Hawaii, where the water meets the sand, during an upcoming R&R leave. This dream of walking on the beach with her husband inspired and comforted Tyra during her most difficult days.

Courage. Inspiration. Determination. Perseverance. Patriotism. Hope. Love.

These are just a few words that describe Dr. Manning's life journey. 

Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

The video book trailer below provides some highlights from the book.

Don't Forget To Fly Handmade Card

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman

Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. Langston Hughes

All our dreams can come true; if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

This is how I made this inspirational card;
I started with a blank craft cardstock card that measures 4" by 5.5".

The background patterned paper is "On the Road Travel Log" by K and Co. (Michaels). I used a Tim Holtz layering stencil and Distress Ink to lightly distress the background.

I used the digital stamp "Dream" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic sketch markers. I then fussy cut it and attached it to the background paper.

The red airplane sticker was from the Retro Travel sheet by Stick-A-Bilities (#501387 - Hobby Lobby).

The sentiment stickers are from the Tim Holtz "Small Talk" pack.

I will enter this card in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday "Anything Goes" Challenge.

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Book Review: Dear You, Live! Love, Life by Michael Holbrook

ONE WORD BOOK REVIEW: INSIGHT
  Dear You, Live! Love, Life: Awaking your spirit, overcoming fears & excuses, and living a purposeful, fulfilling life

Author: Michael Holbrook

Publisher: GardiBrook Publishing

Publication Date: April 6, 2015

Print Length: 340 Pages

About the Author
Michael Holbrook is an experienced, insightful, award-winning author who has written professionally since 1981. During this time, his articles, features, and essays have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and professional journals worldwide.

"Expect a Positive and Exciting Life and Commit To it"
This book includes a series of one to two page essays about life and how to live it. Each essay ends with a quotation that complements the text of the essay.

This book provides sound advice on how to survive and thrive in the game of life. Here is one of my favorite quotations;

Make informed decisions, being cognizant that life is pliable. And when you make a significant life choice, sleep well knowing you made the best decision you could with the information you had. Life is a continuous series of decisions, opportunities, challenges, and choices. Remember...contentment can include letting go of the past and looking forward to a magnificent future.

My Thoughts
This is the kind of book you can skip around in and read at your leisure. I read it all the way through and will probably go back to the beginning and start again. The author shows insight and sensitivity as he writes about some of life's most challenging situations.

Each essay is independent and stands on it's own merit. However, the essays come together to create a cohesive unit that presents an organized and impressive volume.

I read this book during the weeks that I was preparing to participate in my sister's bone marrow transplant. I found the words in this book very comforting and some segments seemed to be written directly to me and my situation.

Good common sense mixed with inspiration and insight equals a rewarding reading experience! Highly recommended!

FYI ~ I borrowed this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Handmade "Mummu's Letter" Mothers Day Card

I want to wish everyone a very happy Mothers Day!

I made this card for my mother.

 This is how I made the card:

I started with a blank cardstock card that measures 5" by 7".

The background paper is from "Heritage Post" Bitty Scrap Pad from Provo Craft (a Goodwill find).

I used "Mummu's Letter" from Mo's Digital Pencil as the focus point of the card. I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers. I it out with a Spellbinders die and then framed it with another die cut.

The sentiment sticker at the top of the card is from a Tim Holtz "Small Talk" pad.

I embellished the card with a white paper doily, some cream-colored vintage lace, two cloth roses and a red heart sticker.

I will enter this card in Mo's Challenge #251 "Anything Goes".

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Get Your Hopes Up! by Joyce Meyer

ONE WORD BOOK REVIEW: HOPE

 Get Your Hopes Up!: Expect Something Good to Happen to You Every Day

 Author: Joyce Meyer

 Publisher: FaithWords

 Publication Date: April 7, 2015

 Length: 197 Pages

About The Author
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. Her daily broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life, airs on hundreds of television networks and radio stations worldwide. Joyce has written nearly 100 inspirational books.

Be A Prisoner Of Hope
Hope isn't something we wait to feel, it is something we decide to have. We can choose hope.

This powerful new book by Joyce Meyer is divided into the following sections:

Section 1: Hope To Go Higher
Your life will go only as high as the level of your expectations.

Section 2: Hope When You Are Hurting
Have a happy anticipation that God is going to show up on the scene, that He won't be late, and that He is going to calm the storm.

Section 3: Hope and Happiness
Whatever unexpected challenge or frustration you may face, decide in advance that you're not going to let it steal your joy.

Section 4: Hope is Here
God wants you to live in hope so that even on days when it seems like everything around you is spinning out of control, you can be firm in your belief that something good is going to happen.

My Thoughts
This is a very inspirational book based on the author's experiences, entertaining and meaningful stories and passages from the Bible.

We all need hope. This book explains how we can find it and make it a lasting influence in our lives. The most important thing is to place our hope in God. We must believe it, meditate on it, speak it, and encourage others who are also facing trials.

Joyce Meyer has written dozens of books and I believe this one is right up there with the best of them. This book will be life-changing if you read the words and hold them close to your heart.

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Crowdfunding - Put the Fun Into Funding and Get the Money You Need by Zynnia Jezek

One Word Book Review: ENTHUSIASM

 Crowdfunding: Put the Fun Into Funding And Get The Money You Need: How A Little Girl Raised Over $7k In Four Days On IndieGoGo (Distinct Press Young Entrepreneurs Series)

Author: Zynnia Jezek

Publisher: Distinct Press

Publication Date: December 27, 2014

Print Length: 130 Pages

An 11-Year-Old Girl With A Big Dream
Zynnia Jezek, at the age of 11-years-old, designed a successful crowd funding campaign on IndieGoGo to provide funds for a trip from Florida to the Awesomeness Fest in Hawaii. This event is billed as the ultimate transformational experience for entrepreneurs. Zynnia believed this could be a life-changing event for she and her familly.

The problem was, they did not have the money needed to make the trip.

Zynnia and her sister created an IndieGoGo campaingn called "4 Day Awesomeness Fest Test" and made $6, 475.

This book tells exactly what Zynnia did to make her dream come true.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and excitement depicted in this ebook. The young author/entrepreneur describes a real-life behind the scenes look at a successful  IndieGoGo campaign.  

This is not a primer or resource guide for designing a crowd funding campaign. It is a memoir of one girl's experience and how it changed her life.

The author provides screen shots of a series of PowerPoint slides that were used to promote and publicize this campaign. These slides were designed by Zynnia's sister and are quite creative. I think viewing these promotional slides make this book a relevant selection for anyone thinking about running a crowd funding campaign.

The editing and formatting are rough in places, but the content is informative and impressive. Kudos to Zynnia for a great effort. She proves that most anything is possible with determination and a little help from family and friends.

I predict this young lady has a very bright future!

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this digital book with my Kindle Unlimited membership on Amazon.Com.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Author: Austin Kleon

Publisher: Workman Publishing Co.

Date Published: February 28, 2012

Length: 160 Pages



About The Author
Austin Kleon is a writer and artist.  He speaks about creativity and being an artist online for organizations such as SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist.

Unlock Your Creativity
Question: "Where does an artist get his ideas?"

Answer: "He steals them."

The author believes that a creative person is inspired and motivated by other people's work. All creative work builds on what came before and nothing is completely original.

This book features clever photos, graphics, charts and quotations to make the case for good theft vs. bad theft.

Favorite Quotations
"You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life."    

"If you copy from one author, it’s plagiarism, but if you copy from many, it’s research."    

"Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by."     

 "Not everybody will get it. People will misinterpret you and what you do. They might even call you names. So get comfortable with being misunderstood, disparaged, or ignored -- the trick is to be too busy doing your work to care."                            

My Thoughts
This is a short, entertaining and FUN book to read. I believe the author has accomplished his goal in getting people to think about creating awesome books, art, music, plays, businesses, etc.

You don't have to be a genius to create...you just have to do good work and share it with people.

Mr. Kleon provides a chart on page 39 that illustrates the differences between plagiarism and research/influence/remixing/transforming.

The light bulb truly came on over my head as I read this book. The message is very simple and nothing really new...but VERY inspiring. It is something we all need to hear and act on.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I read a print copy of this book from my local public library.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I Can See Clearly Now

Author: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Publisher: Hay House, Inc.

Date: February 25, 2014

Length: 389 pages




About The Author
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of more than 40 books, has created numerous audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

Turning Back the Years
They say that hindsight is always 20/20...Dr. Dyer reflects on his life, beliefs and writings in this autobiography.

The book begins with the author's difficult young years growing up in foster homes. The author clearly sees how these difficult times helped him learn to be self-sufficient and independent.

As a young man, Dr. Dyer spent several years serving in the U.S. Navy. During these years, the author determined that he wanted to go to college and eventually become a teacher.

The author reflects on how he wrote his first book, Your Erroneous Zones, and traveled around the country promoting the book and selling it. His love for teaching and writing led to the publication of over 40 books and his wildly popular appearances on PBS television stations.

The author touches on his personal family life but mostly focuses on his writing and teaching accomplishments. The book ends with his recent diagnosis of leukemia and how he is dealing with this chronic disease.

My Thoughts
I have been a fan of Dr. Dyer's writings since I read Your Erroneous Zones back in 1977. I have not read all of his books, but I have a pretty nice collection of Dyer books on my bookshelf.

This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the man who became a best-selling author, teacher, speaker and a mainstay in PBS' membership drives.

I feel like reading this book was like turning back the years. I was thinking about events that happened in my own life as the author was sharing memories about his life and work.

This book demonstrates the value of looking back and clearly seeing how events, circumstances and people have come to guide you on your road to self-discovery. Dr. Dyer believes this guidance has been there for him every step of the way...and it has been there for you as well.

You don't have to agree with all of Dr. Dyer's teachings to find insight and inspiration in this book. Highly recommended.

MY RATING - 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts on the Comments Section below.

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