“Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say.” Brenda Ueland, writer (24 October 1891-1985) best known for her book “If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit” where she shares her ideas on writing and life in general. Quotes: “Creative power flourishes only when I am living in the… Read More Brenda Ueland on Writing
In one of the comments to yesterday’s post, containing the quote from Nelson Mandela, our friend Alessandro Gianesini who blogs at Parola di Scrib recalled the poem “Invictus”, Nelson Mandela’s companion during his long imprisonment.Mandela used to read it throughout his 27-year imprisonment during the apartheid period, because of its message of self-masteryThis poem has… Read More Invictus
At the end of January 1956, Elvis Presley recorded “Blue Suede Shoes” at RCA’s New York studios.Blue Suede Shoes is a rock-and-roll song written and first recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955 and covered by Presley the following year. As with many of the greatest songs the inspiration for the song is controversial.Johnny Cash claimed… Read More Blue Suede Shoes
🎶“Ah, but I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now” (1)🎶 Today Bob Dylan, singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, turns eighty “I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I’ll die like a poet.” (2)“Art is the perpetual motion of illusion. The highest… Read More Happy Birthday, Bob Dylan 🎉
“One writes because one has a burning desire to objectify what it is indispensable to one’s happiness to express.” “For me, a poem starts when a felicitious phrase springs to mind.” “I never plan a stanza. Words cluster like chromosomes, determining the procedure.” “Everything I have written is the result of reading or of interest… Read More Marianne Moore on Writing(2)
Brenda Ueland, journalist, editor and writer was born on this day, 24 October 1891, and died in 1985She was a pioneer in creative writing, best known for her guide on writing “If You Want To Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit” (1938).According to her every human being is able to write well: “This… Read More Inspiration
🟥 “I don’t want to be a passenger in my own life.” (Diane Ackerman) 🟥 “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.” (Robert Orben) 🟩 “Non voglio essere un semplice passeggero nella mia vita.” 🟩 “Il tempo vola. Sta a te essere il pilota.” 🟪 “Je… Read More Carpe diem
📖 “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. “ William Styron, author of “Sophie’s Choice” (11 June… Read More 📚 BOOKS 📚
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, often called the father of free verse. His poetry celebrated modern life and took on subjects considered taboo at the time: particularly his poetry collection “Leaves of Grass”, which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality. The following poem “Carpe Diem” is… Read More 31st May 1819 – Walt Whitman’s Birthday
📻 “Radio Ga Ga” “Radio Ga Ga” is a 1984 song written by Queen drummer Roger Taylor. The band performed this song at every concert from 1984 to their last concert with Freddie Mercury in 1986. It was the second song the band played at Live Aid concert on 13 July 1985 at Wembley… Read More Queen – “Radio Ga Ga” (2. commentary)
words and music and stories 